Exploratory Grants for Atmospheric Methane Research

Geographic Scope: No geographic restrictions; international proposals welcome

Focus Areas:
This scientific funding opportunity supports research to advance understanding of atmospheric methane sinks and potential atmospheric methane removal approaches across three tracks:

Track 1: Methane Sink Assessment

Improving understanding of processes controlling methane sinks and their impact on atmospheric methane concentrations, with application to potential approaches to increase oxidation of atmospheric methane at 2 ppm concentration.

In-scope examples:

• Observational or modeling studies of variables influencing methane sinks
• Analysis of enhancing methanotrophy to uptake atmospheric methane
• Analysis of enhancement of atmospheric radicals (hydroxyl or chlorine) to oxidize atmospheric methane
• Incorporation of improved representations into relevant models
• Methane and atmospheric oxidant sensitivity studies
• Forecasting of methane sink evolution under different scenarios

Track 2: Enabling Research Tools

Building better sensors and tools to accelerate research on oxidation of atmospheric concentration methane.

In-scope examples:

• Development of sensors/instruments measuring methane, carbon/hydrogen isotopes, nitrous oxide, NOx, hydroxyl/chlorine radicals, molecular chlorine, or proxies
• Sensor platforms for widespread and frequent monitoring of methane sinks
• Laboratory tools for characterizing atmospheric methane oxidation pathways
• Software development, including AI applications

Track 3: Exploring Potential Atmospheric Methane Removal Approaches

Assessing potentially viable atmospheric methane removal approaches (e.g., methanotrophy enhancement, atmospheric oxidation enhancement, catalytic reactors) that could be safe, cost-effective, scalable, and net climate-beneficial.

In-scope examples:

• Laboratory studies, modeling, lifecycle analyses, or natural analogues
• Development and assessment of novel atmospheric methane removal approaches
• Assessment of full climate and ecosystem impacts
• Scalability assessment
• Approaches to concentrate methane from atmospheric (2 ppm) to higher concentrations

Iron Salt Aerosol (ISA) Specific Guidance

Given the state of research, priority is placed on understanding: (1) the mechanism for methane oxidation, (2) the full net radiative forcing effects, and (3) potential direct and indirect impacts on human and natural systems.

Out of Scope:

• Research focusing primarily on operational deployment
• Research on methane concentrations above 2 ppm
• Emissions avoidance, measurement, or modeling

Eligibility:

• No restrictions on organization or institution type
• No restrictions on country of origin
• No limit on number of proposals per PI, co-PI, or organization
• Individual investigators or multi-PI teams from same or different institutions

Allowable Expenses:

• Up to one month summer salary support for academic faculty in PI/co-PI roles (non-substitutional, cannot reduce teaching loads)
• Salary support for staff and research scientists in any role
• Graduate student tuition
• Domestic and international travel for project members
• Support for visitors and collaborators
• Research equipment, supplies, and related expenses
• Publication expenses and professional membership dues
• Up to 20% of funds as indirect costs per Spark policy

Past Funding Rounds:

• Round 1: Deadline March 1, 2024 (closed)
• Round 2: Deadline June 2, 2024 (closed)

Supporter Organizations:

• Grantham Foundation
• Quadrature Climate Foundation
• XTX Markets

How to Apply

Prior to Submission:

1. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) using online form - required fields:
   • PI name
   • Proposal title
   • Proposal description (2-3 sentences)
   • Selection of relevant track(s)
   • Note: EOI is optional but encouraged to help identify appropriate reviewers; not used for screening
2. Contact Spark directly with questions regarding scope and/or eligibility of your proposal

Proposal Submission Process:

1. Access the Submittable application platform and create an account
2. Select "Exploratory Grants for Atmospheric Methane Research (R2 2024)" (or applicable round)
3. Complete eligibility questions
4. Follow proposal instructions within Submittable to input and upload required application materials

Required Application Materials:

Problem Statement (confidential unless requested otherwise):

• Consists of three sections:
  • (1) Background information
  • (2) Problem articulation
  • (3) Impact statement
• Should assume audience has general scientific knowledge but may not be expert in field
• Problem statements from awarded proposals will be collected in public repository
• Can request confidentiality

Solution Statement (confidential):

• Consists of two sections:
  • (1) Approach summary
  • (2) Work plan
• Shared only with Spark team, proposal reviewers, and Research Fund Oversight Committee

Additional Requirements:

• Demonstrate awareness of current literature and state of field
• Research must result in peer-reviewed, open access publication

Merit Review Criteria:

1. Impactful: Research could be transformative in supporting exploration of potential approaches to increase oxidation of atmospheric methane at 2 ppm; pathway to scalability
2. Efficient & Effective: Work plan addresses key questions while minimizing unnecessary work; clear success metrics; logically organized activities; realistic timelines
3. Qualifications & Resources: Team well-qualified with necessary resources
4. Funding Leverage & Additionality: High impact, low cost; no pathways for funding from other sources; do not request maximum unless necessary
5. Accelerative: Project outcomes could accelerate other field work
6. Novel & Creative: Demonstrates original and creative thinking