MUREP Earth System Science Research (MUREP ESSR)

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) seeks to establish MUREP ESSR Institutes led by MSIs that can accelerate discovery and innovation in a broad array of Earth Science research categories aligned with the Earth Science to Action focus areas, outlined in the NASA Earth Science to Action Strategy 2024-2034 plan. Proposals shall respond to one of the seven Science Research Case Concepts associated with a research area listed in Appendix 13-A, MUREP ESSR Science Research Case Concepts and Contacts. Proposals that do not meet this requirement will not be reviewed or considered for award. Proposals must demonstrate a clear link and central use of past, present, or future NASA Earth science data and/or models. This link could include but is not limited to: NASA satellite remote sensing data (including joint missions of NASA and its interagency and international partners), remote sensing data that pertain to future NASA observing systems, remote sensing and in situ data from NASA or NASA affiliated suborbital activities such as airborne campaigns and surface-based networks, and data acquired via NASA’s Commercial Small sat Data Acquisition (CSDA) Program. While other non-NASA data sources can be utilized, the main source of data should be from NASA. All data must be aligned with NASA’s Open Science Management Plan guidelines. The NASA MUREP ESSR has the following goals and objectives. Proposals shall address all goals and objectives. Goals: (1) Advance knowledge of Earth as a system to meet the challenges of environmental change and to improve life on Earth. (2) Create unique opportunities for a diverse set of students/faculty to contribute to NASA’s work in exploration and discovery. (3) Build a diverse, future STEM workforce by engaging students in authentic learning experiences with NASA’s people, content, and facilities. (4) Design opportunities to meet Agency workforce requirements and serve the nation's aerospace and Earth science systems, with a focus on advancing human knowledge and understanding the Earth's climate. Objectives: (1) Build research and education Institutes to study the ecosystem impacts, environmental hazards, and fragility of the MSI’s region. Development of the ESSR Institute involves collaboration with stakeholder groups. See section 13.2.1 Partnerships and Collaborations. (2) Bridge the gap between observations and decision makers who could benefit from this research and accelerate and advance the impact of NASA’s Earth science for the benefit of all humankind. (3) Observe and understand our planet and manage resources to respond to threats from natural and human-induced environmental changes.