UK international ocean drilling programme site survey

This funding opportunity supports the development of excellent and innovative UK-led science applications for International Ocean Drilling Programme (IODP3) expeditions by enabling detailed geophysical characterisation of proposed drilling sites. The aim is to maximise development of applications for drilling expeditions by enabling ship borne geophysical site surveys or virtual site surveys using existing data. Applicants must have submitted a proposal or pre-proposal for a drilling expedition to the IODP3 science office via the IODP3 Gateway system. The programme aligns with the 2050 Science Framework for ocean drilling, which presents seven strategic objectives covering habitability and life on Earth, the oceanic life cycle of tectonic plates, Earth's climate system, feedbacks in the Earth system, tipping points in Earth history, global cycles of energy and matter, and natural hazards impacting society. The funding encourages inclusion of early career researchers and supports lower-cost Mission Specific Platform expeditions. Applicants are encouraged to seek international or industrial partnership to support delivery and maximise synergies with relevant international projects and programmes. The programme aims to fund a minimum of two grants, with at least one supporting a lower-cost MSP drilling or coring proposal.