*************************** ** THE GEM MESSENGER ** *************************** Volume 6, Number 11 March 28, 1996 ----------------------------------- Space Weather Funding Opportunities ----------------------------------- From: Rich Behnke (rbehnke at nsf.gov) Dear Colleague: The Upper Atmosphere Research Section of the Division of Atmospheric Sciences of the National Science Foundation (NSF), in coordination with the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) and the Office of Naval Research (ONR), is accepting proposals for basic research related to space weather. "Space Weather" refers to conditions on the sun and in the solar wind, magnetosphere, ionosphere, and thermosphere that can influence the performance and reliability of space-borne and ground-based technological systems and can endanger human life or health. Adverse conditions in the space environment can cause disruption of satellite operations, communications, navigation, and electric power distribution grids, leading to a broad range of socio-economic losses. Proposals should benefit and advance the National Space Weather Program (NSWP), a multi-agency Federal program whose goal is to mitigate the adverse effects of space weather by providing timely, accurate, and reliable space environment observations, specifications, and forecasts. Information about the NSWP can be obtained from the National Space Weather Program Strategic Plan and the draft Implementation Plan. Both of these documents are available online at www.geo.nsf.gov/atm/nswp/nswp.htm. An effective National Space Weather Program requires a strong commitment to basic research in many areas of space-related science. These areas include studies of the sun, the solar wind and interplanetary medium, the magnetosphere, the ionosphere, and the upper atmosphere. In the initial phase of the Program, emphasis will be on understanding the fundamental physical processes that affect the state of the sun, magnetosphere, ionosphere, and atmosphere, with a focus on answering research questions that will improve the ability to specify and forecast conditions in the space environment. Although any proposal meeting the above criteria will be considered, several basic research areas represent significant gaps in our present understanding and need to be addressed early in the Program. These include: * understanding and prediction of processes affecting solar activity, such as coronal mass ejections (CME's) and solar flares; * coupling between the solar wind and the magnetosphere; * the origin and energization of magnetospheric plasma; * the triggering and temporal evolution of substorms and storms; * the evolution of ionospheric irregularities and scintillations; * thermospheric dynamics and its coupling to the ionosphere. Proposals should be prepared and submitted in accordance with NSF 95-27, the Grant Proposal Guide. The Guide can be obtained from the Forms and Publication Unit, NSF, Arlington, VA, 22230, on STIS, or by electronic mail at pubs at nsf.gov. Proposals should arrive at NSF no later than May 15, 1996, in order to be considered for the FY 1996 review cycle and can be submitted to NSF's Aeronomy, Magnetospheric Physics, Solar Terrestrial Research or Upper Atmospheric Facilities Programs, as appropriate. All proposal titles should begin with the words: "Space Weather: ". Funding may be requested for up to three years. The total amount of funding for this effort is anticipated to be $1.2 million. The total number of new awards will be 10 to 20, with an average award size of $60 to $120 thousand per year for up to three years. Proposals will be reviewed using standard NSF procedures per the NSF Grant Proposal Guide. In addition to the regular NSF review criteria, reviewers will be asked to place equal weight on the potential of the proposal to advance the objectives of the NSWP. Award decisions will be coordinated with representatives from AFOSR and ONR. Further information may be obtained from: Dr. S. Basu (sbasu at nsf.gov; 703-306-1529) Aeronomy Program, Dr. R. Robinson (rmrobins at nsf.gov; 703-306-1531) Upper Atmospheric Facilities Program Dr. Robert Clauer (rclauer at nsf.gov; 703-306-1519) Magnetospheric Physics Program, or Dr. K. Schatten (kschatte at nsf.gov; 703-306-1530) Solar Terrestrial Research Program. Sincerely, Richard A. Behnke Head Upper Atmosphere Research Section ******************************************************************************** The Foundation provides awards for research in the sciences and engineering. The awardee is wholly responsible for the conduct of such research and preparation of the results for publication. The Foundation, therefore, does not assume responsibility for the research findings or their interpretation. The Foundation welcomes proposals from all qualified scientists and engineers and strongly encourages women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to compete fully in any of the research related programs described here. In accordance with federal statues, regulations, and NSF policies, no person on grounds of race, color, age, sex, national origin, or disability shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving financial assistance from the National Science Foundation. Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities (FASED) provide funding for special assistance or equipment to enable persons with disabilities (investigators and other staff, including student research assistants) to work on NSF projects. See the program announcement or contact the program coordinator at 306-1636. Privacy Act and Public Burden. The information requested on proposal forms is solicited under the authority of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended. It will be used in connection with the selection of qualified proposals and may be disclosed to qualified reviewers and staff assistants as part of the review process; to applicant institutions/grantees; to provide or obtain data regarding the application review process, award decisions, or the administration of awards; to government contractors, experts, volunteers, and researchers as necessary to complete assigned work; and to other government agencies in order to coordinate programs. See Systems of Records, NSF 50, Principal Investigators/Proposal File and Associated Records, and NSF-51, 60 Federal Register 4449 (January 23, 1995). Reviewer/Proposal File and Associated Records, 59 Federal Register 8031 (February 17, 1994). Submission of the information is voluntary. Failure to provide full and complete information, however, may reduce the possibility of your receiving an award. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 120 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Herman G. Fleming, Reports Clearance Officer, Contracts, Policy, and Oversight, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230. The National Science Foundation has TDD (Telephonic Device for the Deaf) capability, which enables individuals with hearing impairment to communicate with the Foundation about NSF programs, employment, or general information. To access NSF TDD dial (703) 306-0090; for FIRS, 1-800-877-8339. Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 47.050, Geosciences OMB 3145-0058 NSF 96-71 PT 34 (New) KW +-------------------------------------------------------------------------+ |To add name to the mailing list, send a message to: editor at igpp.ucla.edu | |For message to whole GEM mailing list, send to: gem at igpp.ucla.edu | | | |URL of GEM Home Page: http://igpp.ucla.edu/gem/Welcome.html | |Please update your e-mail address. | |CAUTION: Do not send messages to gem at igpp.ucla.edu unless you want | | your message to go to everyone in the GEM mailing list! | +-------------------------------------------------------------------------+