ROSES 2025: A.4 Rapid Response and Novel Research in Earth Science

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), through its Science Mission Directorate (SMD), has released a program element under its omnibus Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2025 solicitation titled "Rapid Response and Novel Research in Earth Science." This element, coded as A.4, represents a flexible, rolling opportunity intended to support innovative, time-sensitive, or high-risk Earth Science research that cannot be accommodated under other scheduled program elements. It caters to investigations that require a rapid turnaround due to unforeseen events or emerging scientific opportunities. The ROSES-2025 announcement serves as a comprehensive umbrella covering numerous specific program elements, each with distinct objectives, eligibility, and timelines. Within this structure, A.4 focuses particularly on Earth Science and seeks proposals addressing urgent issues or novel approaches. Proposals may span basic or applied research and leverage NASA facilities such as the Center for Climate Simulation. The program permits rolling submissions until August 31, 2026, although researchers must follow eligibility timing protocols, especially around resubmissions and avoidance of duplicate proposals. NASA expects applicants to be affiliated with institutions registered in the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES). Typically, funding is awarded only to U.S.-based institutions, although international organizations may participate under a no-exchange-of-funds policy and specific terms outlined in the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM). Special rules apply to international collaborations within jointly sponsored programs or involving U.S. personnel supported by NASA. Proposals must adhere to the technical and budgetary guidance found within the ROSES Summary of Solicitation and respective appendix (e.g., A.1 for Earth Science Research Overview). For example, applicants planning to use the NASA Center for Climate Simulation must budget $0.09 per service billing unit (SBU), as outlined in Section 7.3 of the A.1 appendix. Awards will be made primarily through grants or cooperative agreements, depending on the nature of the work proposed. The expected period of performance is generally up to three years, though some efforts may be extended to five years. Applicants must consult Tables 2 or 3 in the ROSES-2025 documentation to access specific submission instructions and the full text PDF for A.4. Proposals can be submitted via NSPIRES, and applications via Grants.gov are only permitted if requested 30 days in advance. No pre-application elements (such as LOIs or concept papers) are required for this element, and the opportunity does not specify review criteria within the synopsis, instead directing proposers to read the full text for evaluation standards. Contact for the program is Krishna Vadrevu, reachable at [email protected] or 256-321-9492. The program is active and accepting proposals on a rolling basis through August 31, 2026, after which the overlapping ROSES-2026 cycle is expected to continue allowing submission without disruption. Additional information and updates can be found at NASA’s solicitation portal.