Resources for Researchers

2027-2029 Research Funding Cycle

We anticipate announcing the 2027-2029 research funding cycle in winter 2026. Researchers are encouraged to check back frequently and sign-up for our e-newsletter to receive updates.

Overview

Pennsylvania Sea Grant research funding focuses on Pennsylvania’s coasts and watersheds within the Lake Erie watershed, and Susquehanna and Delaware River Basins. Projects should be relevant to the Strategic Plan and reflect the goals in the focus areas of healthy coastal ecosystems, resilient communities and economies, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, and environmental literacy and workforce development. Details about these focus areas are included in the RFP.

Projects within Pennsylvania but outside of the Lake Erie watershed, or Susquehanna and Delaware River Basins may be considered if applicable to these watersheds. Principal investigators should focus on outcomes that can be achieved in a 24-month period. Proposals must include a clear outreach plan for disseminating information to appropriate audiences. 

Eligibility and Proposal Process

To be eligible, principal investigators (PIs) must be affiliated with an academic institution, research laboratory, or other institution with a research or science-based mission in Pennsylvania, including non-profit organizations and state agencies. Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs) on projects can be from institutions outside of Pennsylvania. NOTE: Only one preliminary proposal per lead Principal Investigator may be submitted but may be listed as a Co-PI on as many preproposals as they desire. Direct salary support for individuals from federal agencies and for-profit and foreign organizations is not allowed; however, non-federal contributions can be counted as matching or in-kind support for the project. Collaborative projects involving investigators or research teams from different institutions are encouraged.

The Pennsylvania Sea Grant College Program encourages participation from the broad science and social science research community within Pennsylvania and invites participation by investigators new to the Pennsylvania Sea Grant RFP process. Pennsylvania Sea Grant particularly encourages submissions that support students (graduate or undergraduate), post-doctoral researchers, and/or early career scientists.  

Resources