Seafloor Sampling Facility for the U.S. Academic Research Fleet

This project provides funding for the Seafloor Sampling (SEASAM) program, which supports the collection and analysis of ocean floor materials critical to understanding Earth’s history, natural hazards, and marine resources. Operating as part of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet coordinated through the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System, SEASAM provides shared access to specialized equipment and technical expertise, enabling researchers across the United States to advance knowledge of tectonic processes and resource systems while contributing to national priorities in environmental stewardship, economic development, and hazard resilience. The program also supports workforce development through training and mentorship of students and early-career scientists, strengthening technical capacity and broadening participation in marine research. The SEASAM program provides a coordinated, multi-institutional capability to support seafloor sampling for NSF-funded research, following a recompetition of support for this facility. It focuses on seafloor sampling operations, sample and data management, and workforce development, delivering specialized equipment and technical support for coring, dredging, and sample processing across the U.S. Academic Research Fleet. SEASAM supports all phases of research, including cruise planning, safe deck operations, real-time sample assessment, and post-cruise sample handling, while enhancing data integration with national repositories to improve accessibility and long-term stewardship. This structured approach ensures a scalable and sustainable capability aligned with evolving scientific and programmatic needs. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. NSF Award ID: 2614837 | Program: 01002829DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT,01003031DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT,01002930DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT,01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT,01002728DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT | Principal Investigator: Maureen Walczak | Institution: University of Washington, SEATTLE, WA | Award Amount: $1,670,823 View on NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/show-award/?AWD_ID=2614837 View on Research.gov: https://www.research.gov/awardapi-service/v1/awards/2614837.html