The Early Career Investigator Program in Earth Science (ECIP-ES) is designed to support outstanding scientific research and career development of scientists and engineers at the early stage of their professional careers. The program welcomes innovative research initiatives and seeks to cultivate diverse scientific leadership in Earth System Science.
The Earth Science Division (ESD) places particular emphasis on the investigators' ability to promote and increase the use of space-based remote sensing, the integration of space-based remote sensing data with other datasets (e.g., surface, air) and into models, and the delivery of actionable Earth science ― making Earth science data more usable and impactful for the benefit of humanity. Proposals with objectives connected to needs identified in most recent Decadal Survey: Thriving on our Changing Planet: A Decadal Strategy for Earth Observation from Space are welcomed.
The early career program in Earth Science, was established in 1996 and the frequency of solicitation is currently every three years. Since it was last solicited in ROSES-2020 as the New (Early Career) Investigator Program in Earth Science (NIP), this program element has changed names to better reflect the nature of the solicitation. The Early Career Investigator Program in Earth Science (now ECIP-ES) supports all aspects of scientific, technological, data systems, and applications research aimed to advance NASA's mission in Earth System Science (see the NASA 2022 Strategic Plan for more details).
Proposals must demonstrate the relevance of the research activities to support four of the five ESD elements. The five elements of the ESD ― Flight, Research and Analysis (R&A), Applied Sciences, Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO), and Earth Science Data Systems (ESDS) ― work together from mission concept to conclusion to both enhance existing Earth observations and find new ways to analyze our living planet.
Deadlines:
- Notice of Intent: July 21, 2023
- Proposal: August 11, 2023
The proposed research project must be led by a single, eligible early career investigator serving as the Principal Investigator (PI). Indeed, this individual must be the only essential team member; no Co-Investigators (Co-Is), paid or unpaid, are permitted. The ECIP-ES does not accept proposals with Co-PIs, nor two types of PIs, such as involving a Science PI or Institutional PI. Students and postdoctoral fellows may participate as paid team members. The proposed research may include collaborations. See the 2023 NASA Proposer’s Guide (formerly called the Guidebook for Proposers) for the definitions of Collaborator vs. Co-Investigator. There is also a special restriction that apply to this program element on NASA funding and China, see Section III(c) of the ROSES-2023 Summary of Solicitation.
To be eligible a PI must be a recent Ph.D. recipient, defined as having graduated on or after January 1 of the year that is no more than six years before the issuance date of this ROSES, i.e., after January 1, 2017, but see also bullet C below. The proposal PI must have successfully completed their Ph.D. defense prior to the due date for proposals to this program element.
Institutions and organizations are encouraged to submit proposals on behalf of their outstanding early career scientists and technologists in Earth System Science and associated applications, as long as the individuals are the proposed PIs.
Proposals to the NIP are openly solicited approximately every three years. The anticipated average award is $125K per year for a period of up to three years, subject to satisfactory progress and availability of funds.