Invitation for Ideas: 2026 Shiptime Project Submissions
The University of California (UC) has opened the application process for shiptime proposals for the year 2026. Eligible applicants include students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty, and staff across the UC system. The deadline to submit proposals is Friday, August 8, 2025.
Proposals should detail scientific research needs and plans for shiptime usage. Applications are reviewed and awarded based on merit and availability of funds. A new requirement for this year is compliance with the UNOLS Marine Facilities Planning (MFP) for vessels subject to this planning process. This means that proposals involving MFP vessels must align with UNOLS MFP planning and scheduling requirements to be considered for funding through the UC Ship Funds Program.
For precise application instructions, documentation, and MFP compliance details, direct consultation of the UC Ship Funds Program announcements is necessary.
The UC Ship Funds Program has specified the periods of availability for various research vessels. For instance, the Bob and Betty Beyster research vessel anticipates awarding up to 10 days, with availability as day-trips staged from Nimitz Marine Facility. The Robert Gordon Sproul research vessel envisions multiple short trips for a variety of different projects, awarding up to 21 days. Up to 14 days of ship time are anticipated for both the Sally Ride and Roger Revelle research vessels.
Awards cover ship time and standard shipboard instrumentation operation at sea. For student cruises, limited funds are available for cruise-related expenses such as non-standard shipboard instrumentation, shipping, travel, data processing, or sample analysis costs.
For proposals related to the Bob and Betty Beyster research vessel, applicants should contact Brett Pickering, while those for the Roger Revelle, Sally Ride, or Robert Gordon Sproul research vessels should contact Hannah Delapp. For proposals involving MFP vessels, a ship time request must be submitted through the UNOLS Marine Facilities Planning (MFP) portal.
This new MFP requirement aims to integrate the UC Ship Funds Program within broader national planning efforts for ship usage, ensuring coordinated access to key marine facilities. By adhering to these planning processes, the UC Ship Funds Program strives to optimize research vessel usage and facilitate groundbreaking discoveries in marine science.
- To enhance workplace wellness and health-and-wellness within the UC system, consider integrating fitness-and-exercise initiatives into your scientific research proposals for the UC Ship Funds Program, as aligning these areas can lead to more holistic and beneficial discoveries.
- As part of the new compliance requirements for the UC Ship Funds Program, proposals involving UNOLS Marine Facilities Planning (MFP) vessels must detail strategies aimed at promoting science, health, and wellness integrations, demonstrating a holistic approach to both research and personal well-being in these ventures.
