The National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Engineering (ENG) in collaboration with its Directorates for Biological Sciences (BIO), Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE), and Geosciences (GEO), aims to encourage convergent research that transforms existing capabilities in understanding dynamic near-surface processes through advances in sensor systems and dynamic models. The goal of this Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) is to encourage submission of Early-Concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) proposals for early-stage, high-risk, high-reward research on technologies, models, and methods to better understand dynamic soil processes, including interactions of the macro- and microbiomes with soil nutrients, the rhizosphere, and various abiotic and biotic processes within the soil. In addition, for proposals that include topics relevant to both this DCL and the NSF “Rules of Life” Big Idea, submissions of Research Advanced by Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering (RAISE) proposals are encouraged. Researchers who are interested in submitting a SitS EAGER or RAISE proposal must first submit a SitS Research Concept Outline. Selected submitters of these outlines will be invited to submit full EAGER or RAISE proposals for funding consideration. For additional information on this DCL, please click here.

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