Cooperative Studies of the Earth's Deep Interior | 22 547

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NSF CSEDI (Funding Opportunity Number 22-547)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Earth Sciences (EAR) solicitation for investigator-initiated proposals under the Cooperative Studies of the Earth's Deep Interior (CSEDI) initiative. It supports basic research focused on improving understanding of the Earth's deep interior, with particular emphasis on the mantle and core.

2) What is the main goal of CSEDI?

The central goal is basic research that explains the character, structure, and dynamics of the Earth's deep interior (especially the mantle and core), how these regions have influenced Earth's evolution over geologic time, and how deep interior processes connect to and are expressed at the surface.

3) What kinds of surface expressions are considered relevant to deep interior processes?

The opportunity highlights surface-observable signals tied to deep Earth behavior, such as volcanism, tectonics, large-scale mantle convection patterns, and other measurable signals that reflect mantle and core processes.

4) Is this program focused on applied work or basic research?

CSEDI is oriented toward basic research. Proposals should aim to improve fundamental understanding of deep Earth processes and their connections to Earth system evolution and surface observations.

5) What does "investigator-initiated" mean in this context?

Investigator-initiated proposals are proposed and shaped by the research team rather than being narrowly prescribed by the funding agency. Projects should still align with CSEDI goals and emphasize cooperative, interdisciplinary deep-Earth science.

6) What does NSF mean by "cooperative" and "explicitly interdisciplinary" research?

CSEDI emphasizes community-based, collaborative science that integrates multiple disciplines. Proposals are expected to be framed as cooperative, cross-disciplinary efforts rather than single-discipline studies, with team expertise combined in a way that is central to the research approach.

7) Which scientific disciplines are relevant for CSEDI proposals?

The opportunity notes that teams commonly integrate expertise across areas such as seismology, geodynamics, mineral physics, geochemistry, geomagnetism, petrology, and related fields that help address questions about mantle and core processes.

8) What types of research approaches are supported?

CSEDI is designed to accommodate a wide range of approaches. Proposals may combine field-based observations, laboratory experiments, and computational or numerical modeling. Projects can be observational, theoretical, experimental, or a scientifically justified mixture of these methods.

9) Are single-method projects allowed (for example, only modeling or only laboratory work)?

The program allows observational, theoretical, or experimental projects, as well as mixed approaches, as long as the overall project is framed as a cooperative, cross-disciplinary effort rather than a single-discipline study.

10) What Earth regions are emphasized by the program?

The deep interior is the focus, with a particular emphasis on the mantle and core.

11) What kinds of scientific questions fit well within CSEDI?

Projects that address the character, structure, and dynamics of the mantle and core; their roles in Earth's evolution over geologic time; and linkages between deep interior processes and surface expressions (such as volcanism, tectonics, and convection-related patterns) are well aligned with the stated scope.

12) Can CSEDI funding be used for research infrastructure as well as research activities?

Yes. The opportunity indicates that funding can be used for both research activities and research infrastructure.

13) What funding mechanisms are used for awards?

Support is provided through NSF grants and, where appropriate, cooperative agreements.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Awards are made competitively in response to proposals submitted by eligible US institutions, including universities and other qualifying organizations. The listing also notes "Others," with eligibility details clarified in the official additional eligibility guidance.

15) Is this a competitive funding opportunity?

Yes. Awards are made competitively based on submitted proposals.

16) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding for science and technology research and development under CFDA 47.050.

17) How many awards does NSF anticipate making?

NSF anticipated making around 15 awards under this opportunity.

18) Is there an award maximum (ceiling)?

The posted award ceiling is listed as 0. In summary records, this generally indicates that a fixed maximum was not specified, and that budgets are expected to be proposal-appropriate and justified based on the project scope.

19) What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is 22-547.

20) When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on December 24, 2021.

21) What was the original target deadline?

The original target deadline listed is September 26, 2022.

22) Are late submissions or deadline exceptions allowed?

The notice states that any exemption to the target date requires pre-approval from a program officer. This implies that deadline adjustments are not automatic and would require explicit authorization.

23) What should a strong CSEDI proposal emphasize, based on the program description?

Based on the description, strong proposals are likely to emphasize integrated, deep-Earth studies that connect mantle and core dynamics to Earth system evolution and measurable surface expressions, and that use rigorous combinations of data, experiments, and modeling within an explicitly interdisciplinary, collaborative framework.