PA SEA GRANT ANNOUNCES RESEARCH FUNDING OPPORTUNITY – Feb 14

Posted by Pennsylvania Sea Grant on December 17, 2024

The Pennsylvania Sea Grant College Program is pleased to announce its 2026-28 Research Request for Proposals (RFP). Pre-proposal submissions are due by February 14, 2025, by 5:00 PM, EST.

Pennsylvania Sea Grant conducts and supports scientific research that enhances the use and conservation of Pennsylvania’s coastal, watershed, and Great Lakes resources to create a healthy environment, resilient and inclusive communities, and a strong and sustainable economy. Funding is provided by the National Sea Grant College Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Penn State University, and matching funds from participating investigator institutions.

The proposed research must support Pennsylvania Sea Grant’s strategic focus areas, which are environmental literacy and workforce development, healthy coastal ecosystems, resiliency communities and economies, and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Projects should be relevant to Pennsylvania’s coastal and watershed resources (with priority for project that are applicable to the Lake Erie, Susquehanna River, and Delaware River watersheds, but other watersheds may be considered). Principal investigators should focus on outcomes that can be achieved in a 24-month period. These strategic focus areas are described in the program’s 2024-2027 strategic plan, which is available online.

Four to six projects are anticipated to receive funding, each approximately $75,000 per year (not including indirect costs). A minimum 50-percent non-federal match is required (one non-federal dollar for every two federal dollars requested). Funding requests for one-year projects may not exceed $75,000 and requests for two-year projects may not exceed $150,000 (not including indirect costs). Funding is contingent upon NOAA approval and congressional appropriation of funds. Faculty members and researchers from colleges and universities, state agencies, and other Pennsylvania not-for-profit research organizations are eligible. Pennsylvania Sea Grant support is offered on an open, competitive basis.

Pennsylvania Sea Grant will be hosting a webinar on January 15, 2025, at noon EST to provide an overview of the research program, the Request for Proposals (RFP) guidance, and to answer any questions. Researchers considering submitting an RFP are encouraged to register for the webinar.

Questions can be directed to Sean Rafferty, Ph.D., Pennsylvania Sea Grant Research Director, srafferty@psu.edu; (814) 898-7082.