Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology (FINESST)

Graduate students at accredited U.S. universities may compete as the Future Investigator on FINESST research grants in NASA Science Mission Directorate divisions (astrophysics, earth science, heliophysics, planetary science, and biological and physical sciences). The student must be the primary author of the proposed research project.

FINESST awards fund graduate student-designed research for up to three years at up to $50,000 per 12-month period (maximum $150,000 total), covering stipend or compensation, tuition, fees, travel, and research costs as justified in the budget.

Proposals are submitted by the student's university through NSPIRES as dual-anonymous peer-reviewed research proposals. No notice of intent or Step-1 proposal is required.

FINESST replaces earlier NASA graduate student research solicitations and supports thesis research aligned with SMD science, technology, and exploration goals.