The primary objective of the EDMAP component of the NCGMP is to train the next generation of geologic mappers. To do this, the NCGMP provides funds for undergraduate and graduate student research projects that involve all activities relevant to the creation of geologic maps (defined broadly as all maps that characterize the solid Earth and/or its constituents). Through these cooperative agreements, the NCGMP hopes to expand the research and educational capacity of national academic programs that teach Earth science students the broad range of techniques relevant to geologic mapping and the analysis of field, geophysical, borehole, and remote sensing data. As of 2023, EDMAP has funded more than 1,440 students from more than 173 universities.
To reflect the evolving skillsets required of geologic mappers, the onset of new technology in support of mapping, and new/emerging themes in geologic mapping, the FY2024 EDMAP Program Announcement includes a set of funding opportunities represented as a separate category of Proposal, “Data Synthesis Projects.” This additional category was first introduced in FY2022 and continues this year. The NCGMP encourages submission of novel EDMAP Data Synthesis Project proposals that involve both training in skills relevant to the data modeling and synthesis needs of state-of-the-art geologic mappers, and training in field methods. Examples of potential Data Synthesis Projects are provided later in this Program Announcement.
Proposals are to be submitted for a 12-month continuous project effort. Each proposal should show a 1:1 Federal/Institution funding match. Matching funds may include: (1) direct financial match in dollars to cover project expenses; (2) faculty (PI or non-PI) salary or student salary; (3) volunteer services by professional and technical personnel, consultants, or other skilled or unskilled labor if the services are an integral and necessary part of the project; (4) purchased, rented, and/or donated property such as field supplies, laboratory supplies, or office supplies that are justified to support the project (the value of donated property must not exceed the fair market value of the property at the time of the donation); (5) field travel and field accommodations; and (6) sample preparation and sample analysis costs. Costs associated with travel to or registration for professional meetings may not be considered as matching funds. Also, Federal dollars or Federal donations may not be considered as matching funds.
Deadline: Jan. 12, 2024
Each Proposed EDMAP Project must fall into one of two categories:
a. Field-Focused Projects: Field-Focused Projects are those that generate a geologic map, displaying specific geological strata or rock units, based on extensive mentored field mapping. The primary emphasis of Field-Focused Projects must be on student mapping in the field, as has been expected through previous EDMAP Program Announcements. In the case of a Field-Focused Project, a map showing the 2D geologic framework must be produced and delivered to the NCGMP.
b. Data Synthesis Projects: Data Synthesis Projects are those that incorporate emerging geologic mapping skills and field experiences to support the evolving need for broadly defined geologic mapping now and in the future. Such projects must generate a geologic map (defined broadly as any map that characterizes the solid Earth and/or its constituents) by using computational tools or other innovative technologies, such as machine learning, smartphone applications, modeling, remote sensing, drones, etc. (e.g., using machine learning to classify rock types based on remote sensing data).
EDMAP is restricted to U.S. Universities with geoscience or related departments or programs (for more information on whether your institution is eligible to submit an EDMAP proposal, contact the EDMAP Program Officer). University professors (including adjunct professors) must write and submit the proposals; the supported student(s) must not write the proposal. EDMAP Cooperative Agreements are intended to fund graduate (Masters and Doctoral) students and/or upper level (junior and senior) undergraduate students. Graduate and undergraduate students must have received appropriate geoscience or related training prior to the time that they begin the proposed project.
Only one proposal will be accepted from an individual PI (Professor or faculty advisor), although more than one proposal can be accepted from a single institution if authored by different PIs. The PI is required to write and submit the proposal.
EDMAP allows funding requests of up to $45,000 for each graduate student primary mapper/analyst and up to $25,000 for each undergraduate primary mapper/analyst per year
