Scientists can propose for new missions or request to analyze aerosol samples collected on tethered balloon flights
The Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility has two proposal calls open simultaneously for its tethered balloon systems (TBS).
For fiscal year 2025 (FY2025), ARM is now accepting preliminary proposals for TBS missions while also participating in a joint call with the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL). Like ARM, EMSL is a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science user facility.
The ARM/EMSL call is supported through the Facilities Integrating Collaborations for User Science (FICUS) program. At no cost to them, FICUS awardees can use world-class ARM and EMSL resources and collaborate with scientific staff from both user facilities.
Through the new FICUS call, researchers can apply to use EMSL instruments to collect samples of aerosols and volatile organic compounds on ARM TBS flights and then conduct analysis using advanced laboratory techniques at EMSL. For information about the EMSL instruments available for this call, read the ARM/EMSL FICUS FY2025 solicitation.
FICUS applicants may propose to analyze samples from past ARM TBS missions or from three missions already planned for FY2024 in association with a study of organosulfates and organonitrates.
As part of both calls, applicants may propose FY2025 TBS missions for ARM sites in Oklahoma, Alabama, and Maryland. Missions are typically up to 14 days in length. ARM plans to fly approximately six to eight TBS missions in FY2025. Learn more about the sites on ARM’s TBS guidelines page.
Awarded projects from the FICUS and ARM-only calls will start no earlier than October 1, 2024.
Submission and Deadline Information
Proposals requesting the EMSL instruments and sample analysis must be submitted to the ARM/EMSL FICUS FY2025 solicitation.
FICUS submissions will require a letter of intent to facilitate the planning of the peer-review process, ensure alignment of proposals to ARM and EMSL missions and capabilities, and assist users in building strong proposals. More information about letter-of-intent requirements is available on this FICUS guidance web page.
Proposals not requiring the EMSL instruments and sample analysis will follow the review procedure outlined for ARM TBS field campaigns and must be submitted through ARM’s Propose a Field Campaign page.
The due date to submit preproposals for ARM TBS missions is the same as the deadline to submit letters of intent for the FICUS call: February 8, 2024.
Get More Information: ARM TBS Webinar
For people interested in participating in either call and/or using TBS data in their research, ARM hosted a TBS webinar on January 16, 2024. The webinar included a discussion on the TBS proposal calls and operating locations. Watch the webinar recording now.
# # #ARM is a DOE Office of Science user facility operated by nine DOE national laboratories.