Biennial Research Competition
Hawai‘i Sea Grant supports a multidisciplinary, integrated program of applied research, outreach, and education addressing marine and coastal issues of public concern. Information generated by Hawai‘i Sea Grant-funded research reaches interested parties via Hawai‘i Sea Grant extension, education, and communications activities in Hawai‘i and via the national network.
The 2026–2028 program
Faculty from universities and colleges; state, local and regional governments and organizations; and individuals in Hawai‘i and US Pacific territories are encouraged to apply.
For this competitive research cycle there are four research tracks for which Investigators can submit a proposal. Please note that the Indigenous Science research track has different eligibility, evaluation, and selection criteria from the other research tracks.
- Island Sustainability and Resilience (pre-proposals due Feb. 21, 2025)
- Aquaculture (pre-proposals due Feb. 21, 2025)
- Contaminants of Emerging Concern (pre-proposals due Feb. 21, 2025)
- Indigenous Science (Statement of interest due Mar. 7, 2025)
Funding begins February 1, 2026 and ends January 31, 2028.
For the Island Sustainability and Resilience, Aquaculture, and Contaminants of Emerging Concern research tracks Hawaiʻi Sea Grant will hold an informational webinar, on January 17, 2025 at 12:00 pm HST, to share information about the RFP and answer questions. The webinar will be recorded for those that can not participate in real time. Please register HERE.
Proposal Templates and Documents
Pacific Islands Indigenous Science Competition
Statement of Interest due: March 7, 2025 5:00 PM (HST) submit via Google Forms OR download form here and submit via email to uhsg.ulanaike@hawaii.edu
Full Proposal due: June 6, 2025 5:00 PM (HST) submit via email to uhsg.ulanaike@hawaii.edu
Proposal Templates and Documents
Proposals are requested for the 2025 University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program (Hawai‘i Sea Grant) Pacific Islands Indigenous Science Track. This funding was developed through the Hawaiʻi Sea Grant Ulana ʻIke Center of Excellence (Ulana ‘Ike). Ulana ʻIke works to ensure that customary practitioners from multiple knowledge systems have decision-making power and direct co-management of coastal and marine resources.
Many funding opportunities exist to support research initiatives that integrate Indigenous knowledge and Western science. A majority of these efforts are led by academic institutions that engage Indigenous communities in varying degrees of participation ranging from consultation to equitable co-production (David-Chavez 2018, Bohensky and Maru 2011). Knowledge production in these contexts attempts to integrate Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into existing Western research frameworks (Daniel 2019, Nadasdy 1999). While recognizing the value of partnership across Western and Indigenous sciences, this funding opportunity seeks to shift the focus and center Indigenous methodologies, protocols, and values in research.
With this intention in mind, Hawaiʻi Sea Grant will support between 3 and 6 projects in the Indigenous Science track, each in the $25,000 to $50,000 range for a funding term of two years.
Defining Indigenous Science in the Context of this Opportunity
Indigenous science seeks to investigate the natural world and ensure that the knowledge generated promotes the flourishing of community health, livelihood, vibrancy, and self-determination (Cajete 2000, Whyte et al. 2016, Wolfgramm 2018). Indigenous science typically employs a kinship view (Whyte et al. 2016) that relies on multigenerational knowledge and genealogical connection to place. The practice of Indigenous science requires continuous and multiple engagements with communities and is often co-created with the people and places with whom research takes place (TallBear 2014).
Support for proposal submission
To support applicants through the proposal submission process, Hawaiʻi Sea Grant will provide a number of services including:
- Informational Webinars on the RFP will be held via Zoom. Registration linked below.
- Workshops will offer support with proposal development in a group setting via Zoom. Topics may include designing a budget, identifying match, and drafting project objectives/outputs. Registration linked below.
- Office Hours will be available to answer questions and provide additional support to applicants in-person or via Zoom. During office hours, staff from Hawaiʻi Sea Grant will work one-on-one with applicants. To schedule one-on-one office hours email uhsg.ulanaike@hawaii.edu
Attendance is not a requirement of the application process. Informational Webinars will be recorded and posted at PacificIslandsIndigenousScience.com
Learn more about Hawaiʻi Sea Grant Research