NASA FINESST Resources Guide

A comprehensive guide for applying to NASA’s Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology (FINESST) program, providing graduate student research funding up to $50K/year for 3 years.

What is FINESST?

NASA FINESST provides graduate student research funding ($50K/year for up to 3 years) for Earth Science, Planetary Science, Astrophysics, Heliophysics, and Biological & Physical Sciences.

Key Application Components

Anonymized Documents

• Science/Technical/Management (STM): 6 pages
• Open Science and Data Management Plan (OSDMP): 2 pages
• Mentoring Plan: 2 pages
• References: Cited works

Non-Anonymized Documents

• Research Readiness Statement: 1 page
• Biosketches: PI and Future Investigator
• Budget: Detailed breakdown
• Current & Pending Support

Dual Anonymous Peer Review (DAPR)

NASA’s DAPR guidelines require that reviewers do not see personal or institutional identifiers in the main science proposal:

• Do not say “my previous work” or identify your lab’s unique data
• Use neutral, third-person approach to reference prior publications
• Omit specific collaborators’ names or small-group campaigns
• Number your citations (e.g., [1], [2]) instead of author-year

Official DAPR guidance: https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/dual-anonymous-peer-review

Success Strategies

Successful Research Approaches:

1. Satellite Data Applications: Leveraging space-based observations for global-scale studies
2. Multi-Disciplinary Studies: Combining different data sources and methodologies
3. Validation Studies: Product validation and quality assessment

Key Success Patterns:

• Strong research collaborations
• Clear scientific objectives
• Focus on high-impact research questions
• International partnerships
• Demonstrated progress
• Well-structured proposals

Helpful Resources

1. Natasha Latouf’s FINESST/NSF GRFP Info: nlatouf.github.io/finesst.html
2. Michael Radke’s FINESST Tips: michaelradke.com/posts/finesst-tips/
3. Astrobites NASA FINESST Application Guide: astrobites.org
4. Ben Tonelli – An Earth Scientist’s Guide: bentonelli.github.io

Application Process

1. Set Up NSPIRES: Register at nspires.nasaprs.com
2. Prepare Required Documents: Both anonymized and non-anonymized sections
3. Coordinate with Institution: Work with Office of Sponsored Projects
4. Upload & Finalize: PI releases to organization, AOR submits
5. Await Notification: Results typically announced a few months later

Review Criteria

NASA evaluates FINESST proposals on four main criteria:

1. Scientific/Technical Merit
2. Relevance to NASA
3. Research Readiness (FI’s background, timeline feasibility)
4. Cost Reasonableness (budget clarity, adherence to $50K/year limit)

FAQ

Q: Can non-US citizens apply? A: Yes, if enrolled at a U.S. institution. Check official guidelines.

Q: Is NASA data required? A: Earth Science proposals must show clear link to NASA data (satellite data, airborne campaigns).

Q: What is the typical selection rate? A: Usually around 15% across divisions (varies each cycle).

Contact

For official questions, email: hq-finesst@mail.nasa.gov

Earth Science FINESST contacts:

• yaitza.luna-cruz@nasa.gov
• cynthia.r.hall@nasa.gov

Disclaimer: This guide is purely informational and unofficial. Always refer to the latest FINESST solicitation and official NASA NSPIRES documents.

Last updated: October 2025

Good luck with your FINESST application!