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Focus:

GeoStar

It is probable that many of you reading this article bene- The Foundation has effectively worked with generous GSA
fited from a GSA Research Grant early in your geoscience members, their families, and corporate sponsors to increase
career. The GSA Research Grants Program has distrib- funding for specialized awards and Division grants. However,
uted more than US$10 million to thousands of GSA these grants benefit a fraction of the pool of applicants consid-
members since being established in 1933. I’m writing with ered by the Research Grants Committee. Because GSA Council
good news about the program and asking for your help to make instructs the Research Grants Committee to limit grants to
it even better. ~50% of applicants, the committee must divide a fixed amount
of funding across an increasing number of qualified student
GSA research grants provide partial support for master’s and proposals.
doctoral thesis research in the geological sciences for students
enrolled in universities in the United States, Canada, Mexico, “Pound for pound, I doubt any group has a greater impact
and Central America. on the course of geological research than GSA’s Committee
on Research Grants.” — Bruce Simonson, Past Chair, GSA
In 2014, US$683,535 was awarded to 401 graduate students. Committee on Research Grants
Funding comes from an NSF matching grant, endowed funds,
contributions, and corporate sponsorships. The GeoStar Fund
The GeoStar Fund is a permanent endowment that provides
Our Challenge: Increased Demand for Research Grants
support for research grants not funded by specialized awards.
There has been a sharp increase in the number of applications Over the years, GeoStar has received funds via small annual
received (18%) and grants awarded (24%) by the Research donations. With your help and that of thousands of past
Grants Committee in the past two years. The number of applica- research grant recipients, we will build GeoStar so it provides
tions this year (784) indicates a continued upward trend in the more robust funding for research grants.
level of demand for research grants.

GSA Research Grant Program 2012–2015: Applications,
Grants, Average Grant

YEAR APPLICATIONS GRANTS AVG. GRANT A Final Consideration GSA TODAY | www.geosociety.org/gsatoday
2012 636 303 AMOUNT
2013 615 307 US$1,829 The average research grant in 1975 was US$657. That equates
2014 774 401 US$1,897 to US$2,891 in 2015 with inflation (based on the U.S. Inflation
2015 784 391 US$1,680 Calculator, www.usinflationcalculator.com). Our goal is to
US$1,851 build the GeoStar Fund to support grants of at least US$2,000.
The GSA Foundation welcomes your participation in this effort
that supports talented emerging geoscientists, honors the efforts
of Research Grants Committee volunteers, and strengthens the
geosciences.

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