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Biennial Research Competition
Maryland Sea Grant (MDSG) seeks proposals for its next funding cycle, for projects starting February 1, 2026.
2026 Program Synopsis
Pre-proposals due January 27, 2025 at 5 p.m. EST via eSeaGrant. Download the RFP
MDSG is seeking two-year, single or multi-investigator pre-proposals at the $100,000 per year level for research projects within Maryland’s coasts and watersheds focused on three areas: 1) healthy coastal ecosystems; 2) sustainable fisheries and aquaculture; and 3) resilient communities and economies.
Principal investigators should focus on outcomes that can be achieved in a 24-month period. We anticipate funding four projects at the $100,000 per year level. 50% nonfederal cost match is required for each proposal ($1 match for every $2 of Sea Grant funding).
MDSG is particularly interested in proposals that specifically connect to the needs of communities and/or environmental management and policy, and include an engagement plan for effectively translating information to the specific audiences affected by research findings.
MDSG support is offered on an open, competitive basis.
Pre-proposals: January 27, 2025 at 5 p.m. EST
Full Proposals: June 2, 2025 at 5 p.m. EDT
Download the Request for Proposals.
Join our RFP Notification List.
Eligibility and Proposal Process
Principal Investigators (PIs) must be affiliated with an academic institution or research laboratory in Maryland or the District of Columbia. Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs) on projects can be from institutions outside Maryland or the District of Columbia. Nonacademic or research institution partners may serve as Co-PIs (e.g., not-for-profit, state or federal agency, industry, or community partners). Single investigators and multiple investigator research teams from different institutions are encouraged to apply. Maryland Sea Grant Extension specialists are welcome to serve as Co-PIs or senior personnel. Maryland Sea Grant encourages participation from the broad science and social science research community within Maryland and the District of Columbia and invites participation by investigators new to the Maryland Sea Grant RFP process.
Pre-proposals should present a succinct but sufficiently detailed synopsis of the project in order to evaluate its relevance to the Maryland Sea Grant Strategic Plan, its technical feasibility, and the PIs’ qualifications. Pre-proposals undergo an extensive review and a subgroup of those is encouraged for submission as full proposals. Pre-proposals not encouraged forward may still be submitted as full proposals at the PI's discretion. PIs must have submitted a pre-proposal to submit a full proposal. Researchers should conform to the submission policies of their host institution, particularly with regard to institutional endorsements and requirements for original signed signature pages.
As increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in coastal and marine science research is an important programmatic priority for MDSG, we especially welcome and encourage proposals from investigators at minority serving institutions. We encourage principal investigators to engage students and fellows from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds that have hindered their ability to pursue a career in STEM.
Webinar on the RFP and Integrating Research and Outreach
On Thursday, December 12, 2024, Maryland Sea Grant held a webinar to discuss the proposal submission process and expectations for outreach in research projects. Tips for developing effective engagement programs and suggestions of potential partners to consider were discussed. You can access the webinar at this link with passcode: j24&dnrb
Resources
- Full text of Request for Proposals solicitation
- Proposal submission portal - eSeaGrant
- Proposal forms
- Maryland Sea Grant 2024-2027 Strategic Plan
Program Contacts
Fredrika Moser, Director
Michael Allen, Associate Director for Research and Administration
William Hubbard, Assistant Director/Program Leader, Environment, Natural Resources and Sea Grant
Phone: 301-405-7500
Program Announcements
News and Blogs
Featured Fellow
Leone Yisrael is a cephalopod-loving scuba diver, cook, and loves to try new activities. She conducts genetic analysis and fieldwork at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center through the Coastal Disease Ecology Lab.
Featured Research Project
Developing a habitat model for mysids, an important link in Chesapeake Bay food webs
Mysids are important mesozooplankton prey for many species of fish in Chesapeake Bay and are an important link in transferring energy from lower to upper trophic levels. Mysids also serve as biological vectors for benthic-pelagic coupling due to their diel vertical migration and omnivorous prey-switching behavior, which makes mysids important regulators of food web architecture. Despite their central role in coastal food webs, surprisingly little is known about mysid ecology and dynamics in Chesapeake Bay.
