2023-2024 Call for Proposals

The Caltech Center for Comparative Planetary Evolution would like to announce its Call for Proposals for 2024. The Center will provide up to $200k in funding to researchers in areas broadly related to comparative planetary evolution, with additional dedicated funding of up to $80k available for graduate student support from the Garen Graduate Fellowship program. Individual proposals can request a maximum of $75k.

We seek proposals consistent with our goals, which are to merge the fields of astronomy, geology, and biology to explore the origin and evolution of planetary systems and their biospheres. Addressing these questions requires research and insight which crosses traditional discipline boundaries, and priority will be given to proposals that help to seed innovative partnerships and new collaborations across the Center. Proposals are generally expected to be submitted by Caltech faculty members, but in limited circumstances and with advance discussion, non-faculty members may be allowed to apply. Postdocs, students, and staff are encouraged to discuss this opportunity and ideas for potential proposals with a related faculty member.

Proposals should be no more than 2 pages in length (12 pt font, 1" margins, including figures and references) and include a rough outline of an overhead-free budget (the latter doesn't count towards the 2 pg limit). Proposals can be for (non-faculty) salary support, travel, equipment, or any other allowable expense. Please highlight any requests for graduate student support to be considered for the Garen Fellowship. In rare cases, the Center is willing to consider requests for additional funding to support previously selected 3CPE programs with a demonstration of significant progress and additional promise. Proposals for additional funding must include a summary of the work accomplished to date with 3CPE funds.

Proposals were due January 5, 2024 at 5 pm