In recognition of the global nature and continuing success of Critical Zone (CZ) science,
the U.S. NSF has provided funding to the CZ Observatory (CZO) Science Across Virtual
Institutes (SAVI) project to enable travel to CZ sites or pre-eminent laboratories overseas
to further the investigation of the CZ. This announcement is an open solicitation for
applications by graduate students or postdoctoral scholars (US citizens or green card
holders at US universities only) to receive funds for international travel during 2019.
A major goal of the SAVI project is to develop international collaborations, including
young scientists who will advance CZ science throughout their careers. Toward this end,
applications to this program should stress the interdisciplinary as well as international
aspects of proposed work. Applicants can propose CZ research activities at any sites or
laboratories globally. Proposals applicable to research themes of the 2016-2018
international CZO working groups will be viewed favorably: concentration-discharge
relations, carbon flux balances for soil organic matter, and measuring and predicting
spatial variations in CZ architecture; and, those stressing societal relevance and solutions
to challenges facing humanity will be prioritized. Ongoing and future collaborations with
and connections to existing CZOs, and those proposals advancing cross-site science at
multiple CZOs and LTER sites will be prioritized. We strongly encourage proposals to
work at OZCAR, TERENO and UK/China CZOs. Applicants are free to propose
scientific endeavors associated with other sites too.
We anticipate funding up to 10 applicants with amounts ranging from ~$3000-$8000
each to support travel and research-related expenses; no overhead or stipend costs can be
included in the proposed budgets. This funding is not for travel to conferences.
Successful applicants will be obligated to provide a no-more-than 4-page report
documenting the overall results of the work as well as a description of how the activity
will help to advance their career, and to provide confirmation that they have obtained
necessary research agreements and any legally required collecting, import, and export
permits for samples, instrumentation, and data.
Applicants should send a 3-page proposal describing the proposed research activities,
budget and anticipated outcomes. The single-pdf-file application packet should also
include a C.V., letter of recommendation from the applicant’s primary advisor, and a
letter of support from the appropriate contact person at the overseas host institution.
Applications should be sent to Tim White ( tsw113@psu.edu ) by March 15, 2019.
