The Collaborations on Mathematical Geosciences (CMG) program is a joint effort between the Directorate for Geosciences and the Division of Mathematical Sciences. The purpose of CMG is to enable (A) collaborative research at the intersection of mathematical sciences and geosciences and also (B) to encourage cross-disciplinary education through summer graduate training activities. The projects must be collaborative in nature and should include at least one geoscientist and one mathematical scientist. In the past, research topics have fallen within one of two broad themes: mathematical and statistical modeling of large, complex geosystems or representing uncertainty in geosystems. Several OCE-related research projects have been funded on topics including data assimilation, climate predictability, Lagrangian transport and horizontal convection. In addition, a summer school regarding the statistics of optical ocean observations was held in 2003. For future solicitations, we would like to encourage proposals from a wide range of OCE topics including the mathematical modeling of ecosystems. In prior years 80-95 proposals have been received with a funding rate of approximately 15-20%. The average award per PI per year is approximately $60,000.

Integrated Carbon Cycle Research (ICCR)

In late July, the NSF Directorate for Geosciences released the FY 2004 program announcement for the Integrated Carbon Cycle Research Program (NSF 03-582). The purpose of ICCR is to support research projects related to the U.S. Carbon Cycle Science Plan. This year’s program announcement (the second in the ICCR series) specifically solicits proposals focusing on carbon cycling and carbon biogeochemistry in drainage basins and ocean margins. While study areas may be within or outside of North America, proposals should in any case demonstrate a multidisciplinary research approach. Funding may be requested for up to five years. Pending the availability of funds, the Directorate expects to recommend a total of $5M in awards in FY 2004. The deadline for proposal submission (by FastLane of course) is 22 October 2003, 5:00 pm local time of the submitting institution.

For further information, including guidance on NSF contact personnel, please consult the full program announcement available online at: <https://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?ods_key=nsf03582>.

Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) Supplements

The Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE) would like to call your attention to a new activity called Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) (see https://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf03056). PI’s may now request supplements to support teachers who wish to participate in their research programs. The intent of this endeavor is to facilitate professional development of K-12 science teachers through research experience at the cutting edge of science. OCE encourages all its grantees to make special efforts to identify talented teachers for participation in this RET-supplement opportunity.

We believe that encouraging active participation of teachers in on-going NSF projects is an excellent way to reach broadly into the teacher talent pool of our nation. The goal of the RET-supplement is to help build long-term collaborative relationships between K-12 teachers of science and the NSF research community. OCE is particularly interested in encouraging its researchers to build mutually rewarding partnerships with teachers in economically disadvantaged school districts.

A request for funding of a RET-supplement should be made under an existing NSF award or within a proposal for a new or renewal NSF award. The description of the RET-supplement activity should clearly articulate in some detail the form and nature of the prospective teacher’s involvement in the Principal Investigator’s ongoing or proposed research. Since it is expected that the RET-supplement experience will also lead to transfer of new knowledge to classroom activities, the RET-supplement description should also indicate what sustained follow-up would be provided to help in translating the teacher’s research experience into classroom practice. A brief biographical sketch of the teacher should also be included.

The duration of the RET-supplement will generally be one year and the project may be carried out during summer months, during the academic year, or both. For guidance and inquiries concerning the RET-supplement, including the application due date, the Principal Investigator should consult with Lisa Rom, (erom@nsf.gov or 703-292-8582) and the Program Director of his/her particular NSF award.

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