Federal Research Funding of Geoscience

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Date updated: 2008-09-15
Data Brief 2008-011
Written and compiled by Leila Gonzales for AGI, September 2008

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Total federal funding for geoscience research has leveled off since 2003, as have the proportions of funding for atmospheric science, geological science, and oceanography. Since the mid-1980’s however, the percentage of geoscience research funding applied to interdisciplinary geosciences has steadily increased.

Federal research funding of the geosciences. Sources: NSF/SRS: Survey of Federal Funds for Research and Development; Federal S&E Support to Universities, Colleges and NPOs.

Federal funding of geoscience research in universities, colleges, and non-profit organizations (NPOs) in 2005 was 30% of the total federal funding of geoscience research. Federal funding for interdisciplinary geoscience research at these institutions has steadily increased since the mid-1980’s. Since 2000, interdisciplinary geoscience research has been awarded the highest percentage of geoscience research funds of all geoscience sub-disciplines.

Federal research funding of the geosciences at universities, colleges, and NPOs by selected federal agencies. Sources: NSF/SRS: Survey of Federal Funds for Research and Development; Federal S&E Support to Universities, Colleges and NPOs.

Percentage of total federal geoscience research funding applied to universities, colleges, and NPOs. Sources: NSF/SRS: Survey of Federal Funds for Research and Development; Federal S&E Support to Universities, Colleges and NPOs.

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