Announcements of Opportunity

Facility for Data Assimilation and Modelling in atmospheric chemistry and dynamics

The Space Science Branch of the CSA is pleased to announce that it has received funds for a new grant program entitled the Space Science Enhancement Program (SSEP).

The main objective of the SSEP is to provide support to activities that will increase the scientific payoff from Canadian instruments and missions. In this regard, the Canadian atmospheric environment community has long identified data assimilation and modelling as an activity critically important to the overall success of current and future instruments and missions in the domain of atmospheric physics and chemistry.

As a first competition under the SSEP, the Space Science Branch is inviting proposals for a Facility for Data Assimilation and Modelling (FDAM) in atmospheric chemistry and dynamics. FDAM is envisaged as Canada's premier centre of expertise to exploit the broad stream of data generated by Canadian instruments. Proposals should demonstrate a strong partnership with the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) that has a well-established expertise in the development of data assimilation systems for meteorological variables. Proposals should also demonstrate a broad support from the Canadian atmospheric measurement community.

Ideally, the SSEP funds should be incremental, that is, they should help expand an area already supported by existing research grants (e.g., NSERC, CFCAS).

Program Objectives

The objectives of the Space Science Enhancement Program are the following:

• To maximize scientific return to Canada by providing funding to the science aspects of space science missions
• To support the training of skilled personnel in space science and related technologies
• To strengthen cooperation between CSA and universities

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are:

• Canadian universities carrying out space-related research;
• Not-for-profit organizations and foundations with a proven interest in space science

Budget

The total amount of funding available for this competition is $500,000. Note that applications can cover scientific work over a period of up to 5 years. CSA will make only one award, or none if no application is found to be of an excellent quality.

How to Apply

Applications to the Space Science Enhancement Program should include the following:

• Completed Personal Data Forms (using the NSERC Form 100 - Personal Data Form) for the applicant and all co-applicants, if appropriate.
• A completed Application Form (using the NSERC Form 101 - Application for a Grant) containing detailed information on the proposal (e.g., its purpose, schedule and costs, supporting organizations, etc.)
• A document describing in detail the science proposal (10 pages maximum), addressing how the evaluation criteria of the Program are met and showing how the proposal contributes to the objectives of the Program. This document needs to provide the necessary scientific justification for the proposed work. Note that this information is usually provided as Part II of the NSERC Form 101.

A separate page listing up to 6 suggested external referees must be submitted with each application. Forms and instructions are available on NSERC's website at http://www.nserc.ca/forms/formtable_e.htm. Electronic submission is recommended but application submitted in hard copy will also be accepted. Five copies should accompany hard copy originals.

The deadline for applications is close of business (17:00, Eastern Standard Time) January 16, 2004.

Evaluation Criteria and Process

The applications will be evaluated in accordance with the following criteria:

• Scientific and Technical Merits of the Proposal - which include the originality and quality of the proposal; the advancement of current and future space science projects, missions or activities to which the proposal is contributing; the suitability of the proposed application or study with respect to the program objectives; and, the appropriateness of the mission concept to space science programmatic priorities.
• Management Capabilities and Budgeting - which include the mix of expertise and the quality of the project team; the availability and suitability of the equipment and facilities; the likelihood that the defined work and objectives will be accomplished within available budgets and on schedule.
• Interactions and partnerships - which include the extent to which the proposal builds on Canadian strengths and capabilities, and complements other Canadian initiatives; the nature and extent of the contributions of scientists and engineers from other Canadian or foreign organizations; the extent of contributions and interest from other partners (e.g., NSERC, CFCAS, MSC, etc.); the ability of the participants to exploit the results to the benefit of Canada.
• Socio-Economic Benefits - which include the identification of space knowledge and enhancement of Canada's world-class expertise in space science disciplines.

Applications will be peer-reviewed by external referees. The CSA will evaluate all applications in terms of the criteria of the program and the evaluation provided by the external referees, and it will determine if one of these applications should be funded. Only one Grant will be approved by the Director General of CSA's Space Science program.

Other Conditions

The eligible costs consist of the following:

• Direct labour salaries and benefits;
• Equipment or facility;
• Direct material and supplies;
• Travel expenses;
• Publications costs.

Queries

If you require further information on this program, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned:

Réjean Michaud
A/Director, Solar-Terrestrial and Atmospheric Sciences
Canadian Space Agency
6767, route de l'aéroport
Saint-Hubert, Québec J3Y 8Y9

Telephone : (450) 926-4760
Email : rejean.michaud@space.gc.ca