The Powell Center invites researchers to submit proposals for two-year synthesis projects on any Earth or environmental science topic. This call for proposals will support teams of up to 15 scientists to convene for two weeks over two years at the John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis in Fort Collins, Colorado. Supported working groups can start their projects beginning October 1st. We invite interdisciplinary Working Groups comprised of USGS researchers and their national and international colleagues in academia, government, business, and non-governmental organizations to submit proposals. Working Groups collaborate to promote understanding through analysis of existing data and information. The Powell Center seeks projects that address development and testing of important Earth system science ideas and theories using existing data, cutting-edge analysis of Earth system information, and use of sound science in policy and management decisions.

Proposals are invited in USGS science thematic areas and in thematic areas that also consider and address research priority areas for the National Science Foundation. ALL proposals are evaluated by the Powell Center Science Advisory Board and there is no guarantee of NSF support. Proposals are evaluated for scientific merit, novel approaches, and rationale for conducting investigative activities at the Powell Center. Instructions for proposal preparation and submission are available under Proposal Resources at the Powell Center Proposals webpage. 

We encourage participation of early career scientists and efforts to include multiple perspectives in synthesis working groups. 

The proposal deadline every year for Powell Center proposals is January 31.

RESCHEDULED "How To" Seminar: November 19, 2025

A virtual seminar on writing successful synthesis proposals will be held on November 19, 2025 from 3:00-4:00 pm Eastern. You can email Powell Center Interim Director, Leslie Hsu (lhsu@usgs.gov) to request the calendar event.

A recording of the webinar will be made available by contacting powellcenter@usgs.gov, and information on this and all other upcoming seminars is sent out through our mailing list. Information on proposal preparation is also available at Powell Center.