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Geospace Environment Modeling (GEM) is a broad-based research program investigating the physics of the Earth's magnetosphere and the coupling of the magnetosphere to the atmosphere and to the solar wind. The goal of the GEM program is to make accurate predictions of the geospace environment by developing physical understanding of the large-scale organization and dynamics from observations, theory, and increasingly realistic models.

The goal of the Habitable Worlds program is to use knowledge of the history of the Earth and the life upon it as a guide for determining the processes and conditions that create and maintain habitable environments and to search for ancient and contemporary habitable environments and explore the possibility of extant life beyond the Earth.

NASA and the Sloan Foundation have agreed through a Space Act Agreement to work in parallel for a common purpose: to sponsor studies designed to provide insight into the microbiome of the built environment of the ISS that will advance our knowledge and understanding of human-built habitats on Earth, to enhance ISS utilization, and to inform the development of future space exploration vehicles that are occupied by humans. NASA is soliciting, through this Appendix, research applications for Postdoctoral Fellowships from early career scientists to design experiments that utilize a NASA collection of ISS microbial isolates collected over a decade or more to help understand better how microbial communities colonize, adapt, and evolve on the ISS. All proposals must propose experiments that utilize these microbial isolates collected from the ISS that have been archived at the Johnson Space Center.

NASA and the Sloan Foundation have agreed through a Space Act Agreement to work in parallel for a common purpose: to sponsor studies designed to provide insight into the microbiome of the built environment of the ISS that will advance our knowledge and understanding of human-built habitats on Earth, to enhance ISS utilization, and to inform the development of future space exploration vehicles that are occupied by humans. NASA is soliciting, through this Appendix, research applications for Postdoctoral Fellowships from early career scientists to design experiments that utilize a NASA collection of ISS microbial isolates collected over a decade or more to help understand better how microbial communities colonize, adapt, and evolve on the ISS. All proposals must propose experiments that utilize these microbial isolates collected from the ISS that have been archived at the Johnson Space Center. 

This NASA Research Announcement (NRA) solicits hypothesis-driven space-flight research in Space Biology (SB) to be conducted on ISS. NASA SB experiments have one or more of the following primary goals: 1) to effectively use microgravity and the other characteristics of the space environment to enhance our understanding of basic biological processes; 2) to develop the scientific and technological foundations for a safe, productive human presence in space for extended periods and in preparation for exploration; and 3) to apply this knowledge and technology to improve our nation's competitiveness, education, and the quality of life on Earth. NASA SB experiments will be designed to discover how space flight affects a diverse group of microorganisms, plants, and animals; study the effects of gravity (g) across the g-spectrum, i.e., from micro- to hyper-gravity; and characterize the biological effects of radiation, magnetic fields, and the interaction among species i n the unusual environments of space and spacecraft. 

Participating Scientists may propose any investigation that addresses the goals of the Mars Exploration Program, although emphasis will be placed on investigations addressing one or more of the MSL science objectives listed here: · Characterization of geological features contributing to deciphering geological history and the processes that have formed or modified bedrock and regolith, with emphasis on the role of water; · Determination of the mineralogy and chemical composition (including an inventory of elements such as C, H, N, O, P, S, etc. known to be building blocks for life) of surface and near surface materials; · Determination of energy sources that could be used to sustain biological processes; · Characterization of organic compounds and potential biomarkers in representative bedrock and regolith; · Determination of the stable isotopic and noble gas composition of the present-day atmosphere and of ancient H2O and CO2 preserved in hydrated minerals; · Identification of potential biosignatures (chemical, textural, isotopic) in rocks and regolith; · Characterization of the broad spectrum of surface radiation, including galactic cosmic radiation, solar particle events, and secondary neutrons; · Characterization of the local environment, including basic meteorology, the state and cycling of water and CO2, and the near-surface distribution of hydrogen; · Identification and quantitative assessment of "taphonomic windows" for organic carbon (subset of habitable environments also capable of preserving organic compounds through exposure age dating and refined models for primary facies distributions and diagenesis); and · Exploration and characterization of major environmental transitions recorded in the geology of the foothills of Mount Sharp and adjacent plains.

The unique high quality and long duration microgravity environment on the ISS National Lab provides an extraordinary research platform for experiments in the biological and medical sciences. Microgravity induces a vast array of changes in individual cells and model organisms ranging from viruses and microorganisms to humans, including global alterations in gene expression and 3-dimensional aggregation of cells into biofilms or tissue-like architectures that recapitulate the structure and function of organs. Moreover, studies of astronauts reveal a variety of space flight-induced health conditions, many of which may serve as accelerated models of ground-based ailments such as aging and trauma. Research into these and other effects of the space environment may advance our fundamental understanding of cell and tissue function, effective disease diagnosis and /or treatment, or improved health care delivery.

The purpose of this FOA is to promote the development of in vitro microphysiological systems in modeling human diseases and conditions that mimic the pathology in major organs and tissues in the human body, when exposed to the extreme environments of space, and the use of these models at the International Space Station-U.S. National Laboratory (ISS-NL) to facilitate the assessment of biomarkers, bioavailability, efficacy, and toxicity of therapeutic agents prior to entry into clinical trials. Funds from the NIH will be made available through the UG3/UH3 cooperative agreement mechanism. During the initial two-year UG3 phase, support will be provided to develop robust models that recapitulate the progression and pathology of human diseases and conditions exposed to prolonged microgravity environment. Following administrative review, the two-year UH3 phase will build upon successful UG3 models to demonstrate the functional utility of the models for more defined experiments at the ISS-NL. It is anticipated that these studies will lead to identification of novel treatment mechanisms through better understanding of disease biology, drug screening, assessment of candidate therapies for efficacy and safety assessments, and establishing the pre-clinical foundation that will inform clinical trial design on Earth.

The Defense Sciences Office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative research proposals in the area of high spatial and temporal resolution predictive/assimilative modeling and simulation of the near-earth space environment. Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, prediction, devices, or systems. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice.

The solar and heliospheric research communities are dedicated to promoting enhanced understanding of, and predictive capabilities for, solar disturbances that propagate to the Earth. Broad-based, grass-roots associations such as SHINE have developed to focus community effort on these scientific questions. Proposals are solicited for research directly related to topics under consideration and discussion at community workshops organized by SHINE. Information on the current activities of SHINE may be found at the following web site: http://www.shinecon.org

Recognizing disciplinary differences and priorities, NSF's investment in research and development in undergraduate STEM education encompasses a range of approaches. These approaches include: experiential learning, assessment/metrics of learning and practice, scholarships, foundational education research, professional development/institutional change, formal and informal learning environments, and undergraduate disciplinary research. Both individually and integrated in a range of combinations, these approaches can lead to outcomes including: developing the STEM and STEM-related workforce, advancing science, broadening participation in STEM, educating a STEM-literate populace, improving K-12 STEM education, encouraging life-long learning, and building capacity in higher education.

This publication announces the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Headquarters, Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) plans to release the Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 version of the NASA Research Announcement (NRA) entitled, "Research Opportunities in Aeronautics (ROA)", NNH15ZEA001N. Detailed requirements, including Proposal Due Dates will be stated in Appendices that address individual Thrust Areas. The initial release of this ROA 2015 NRA includes ones solicitation (ACP1) in Appendix A.5 for the Advanced Composites Project. Additional appendices will be posted as Amendments to the ROA NRA and will be published as requirements materialize throughout the year. The FY 2015 ROA NRA (NNH15ZEA001N) can be accessed from the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) website, (http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ ), by going first to "Solicitations", and then to "Open Solicitations". Once Amendments are available interested parties can access Open Solicitations, click on NRA NNH15ZEA001N, and then click on "Amendments". Under the FY 2015 ROA NRA ARMD will continue solicitation of foundational and systems-level research proposals for four programs within ARMD: the Advanced Air Vehicles Program, the Airspace Operations and Safety Program, the Integrated Aviation Systems Program, and the Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Program. The Advanced Air Vehicles Program (AAVP) conducts cutting-edge research that will generate innovative concepts, technologies, capabilities, and knowledge to enable revolutionary advances for a wide range of air vehicles. The Airspace Operations and Safety Program (AOSP) develops and explores fundamental concepts, algorithms, and technologies to increase throughput and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS) safely. The Integrated Aviation Systems Program (IASP) will conduct research at an integrated system-level on promising concepts and technologies and explore/assess/demonstrate the b

Supports research on the magnetized plasma envelope of the outer atmosphere, including energization by the solar wind; the origin of geomagnetic storms and substorms; the population by solar and ionospheric sources; the origin of electric fields; the coupling among the magnetosphere, ionosphere, and atmosphere; and waves and instabilities in the natural plasma. Also supported are ground-based observational programs at high latitudes and laboratory experiments applicable to the geospace environment. Theoretical research programs may include numerical simulations using a variety of MHD, hybrid and particle codes. The analysis of data from all sources, whether ground-based or from spacecraft, is also supported.

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Vehicle Directorate (RV) is interested in receiving proposals from all offerors to advance state of the art technology and scientific knowledge supporting all aspects of space systems including payload adapters, on-orbit systems, communications links, ground systems, and user equipment. Efforts will include basic and advanced research, advanced component and technology development, prototyping, and system development and demonstration and will span the range from concept and laboratory experimentation to testing/demonstration in a relevant environment. Specific tasks include design, development, analysis, fabrication, integration, characterization, testing/experimentation, and demonstration of hardware and software products.

The STMD Small Spacecraft Technology program seek proposals from accredited U.S. universities to develop unique, disruptive, or transformational space technologies that have the potential to enable mission capabilities that are more rapid, more transformative, and more affordable than previously achievable. The overall objective of the Small Spacecraft Technology program is to facilitate development projects and demonstration missions that: enable new mission architectures for which small spacecraft are uniquely suited; expand the capability of small spacecraft to execute missions at new destinations and in challenging new environments; enable the augmentation of existing assets and future missions with supporting small spacecraft. The appendix exclusively seeks proposals that are responsive to one of three topics: (1) Instrument Technologies for Small Spacecraft. (2) Technologies That Enable Large Swarms of Small Spacecraft. (3) Technologies That Enable Deep Space Small Spacecraft Missions. Only accredited U.S. universities are eligible to submit proposals.

Though the mechanisms for the observed time dependence in nuclear decay parameters are not well understood, the importance of this work is twofold: 1.) the ability to account for noise sources associated with microelectronics in radiation environments, 2.) the exploration of new physical mechanisms that could lead to new detection technologies with significant impacts to DoD applications. Crane is interested in funding research to explore the existence of physical mechanisms of nuclear decay modulation.

NOIs Due: December 4, 2017; Proposals Due: February 2, 2018. Research Opportunities in Space Biology (ROSBio) - 2016 "Appendix G: Solicitation of Proposals for Flight and Ground Space Biology Research" NNH16ZTT001N-FGThis Appendix to the Research Opportunities in Space Biology (ROSBio) - 2016 NASA Omnibus Research Announcement (hereafter referred to as ROSBio-2016 Omnibus NRA) solicits proposals that will increase NASA's understanding of how living systems acclimate to spaceflight to support human space exploration.The solicited research will fall into into the following four research emphases:1. Microbiomes of the Built Environment (MoBE) of Spacecraft; 2. Plant Biology to support Human Space Exploration; 3. Animal Biology in support of Human Space Exploration; 4. Molecular and Cellular Biology.

The Lunar Data Analysis Program (LDAP) program funds research on the analysis of recent lunar missions in order to enhance their scientific return. LDAP broadens scientific participation in the analysis of mission data sets and funds high-priority areas of research that support planning for future lunar missions. LDAP supports scientific investigations of the Moon using publicly available (released) data. These include the following missions: Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS), Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3), Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL), Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence, and Electrodynamics of the Moon's Interaction with the Sun (ARTEMIS), Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE), Lunar Prospector (LP), Deep Impact Lunar Flyby, Non-U.S. missions: Kaguya, Change 1, Change 2, Chandrayaan-1, Change 3. Any proposal may incorporate the investigation of data from more than one mission. An investigator may propose a study (e.g., scientific, landing site science, cartographic, topographic, geodetic research, etc.) based on analysis of lunar data collected by spacecraft at the Moon (listed above). Proposals may incorporate the analysis of data from more than one mission. Moreover, data analyses that require the use of older mission data sets (e.g., Apollo, Clementine) are allowable in the context of enhancing the analysis and understanding of the data from the missions listed above. The use of older data sets as complementary/supplementary data sets to the missions listed above for the purpose of creating a needed data product (e.g., maps) for analysis is allowable. Additional information about NASA and other lunar missions can be found at NASA's National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC) at: http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/planets/moonpage.html.

This Appendix to the Research Opportunities in Space Biology (ROSBio) - 2016 NASA Omnibus Research Announcement (hereafter referred to as ROSBio-2016 Omnibus NRA) solicits proposals that will increase NASA's understanding of how living systems acclimate to spaceflight to support human space exploration. The solicited research will fall into the following four research emphases: 1. Microbiomes of the Built Environment (MoBE) of Spacecraft 2. Plant Biology to support Human Space Exploration 3. Animal Biology in support of Human Space Exploration 4. Molecular and Cellular Biology

The selected topic in this special notice is designed to identify research directions in the area of Space, Future Space Operations and Architectures. The resulting studies will perform applied research and analysis to determine the state-of-the-art, identify technology gaps, execute trade studies, develop concepts and performance metrics, and test concepts using a breadboard setup in a controlled and measureable laboratory environment.

Within the framework of the For Women in Science partnership between the L'Oréal Foundation and UNESCO, we are launching the 2014 call for nominations for outstanding women scientist form all over the world. Five 100.000$ prizes will be awarded in march 2014 in Paris to five women scientists, one per region, for the contributions of their research, the strength of their commitments and their impact on society. An international Jury of eminent scientists presided in 2013 by the Nobel Prize winner, Ahmed Zewali, makes the final selection.