Announcement of opportunity: CZO SAVI International Scholars Program

In recognition of the global nature of Critical Zone (CZ) science, the NSF has provided funding to the CZ Observatory (CZO) Science Across Virtual Institutes (SAVI) program 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 postgraduates (US citizens or green card holders at US universities only) to receive funds for international travel during 2015.

A major goal of the SAVI is to develop international collaborations, including young scientists who will advance CZ science throughout their careers. Toward this end, applications should stress the interdisciplinary as well as international aspects of the proposed work. Applicants can propose CZ research activities at any sites or laboratories globally, though we have identified field and laboratory sites that have already expressed interest in hosting students (contact tsw113@psu.edu for information). Ongoing and future collaborations with and connections to existing CZOs will be viewed favorably, and those proposals advancing cross-site science at multiple CZOs will be prioritized. Applicants are also free to propose scientific endeavors associated with other sites.

We anticipate funding 3-7 applicants with amounts ranging from ~$3000-$7000 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 two-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 1, 2015.