Sea to Stars Fellowship 2026-2027 to Fund Your Coastal & Space-Driven Research in North Carolina
Graduate students working at the intersection of coastal science, satellite data and environmental innovation now have a focused funding window. Applications are officially open for the Sea to Stars Fellowship 2026–2027, a competitive graduate research program jointly offered by North Carolina Sea Grant and North Carolina Space Grant.
This fellowship targets research that connects ocean, coastal and watershed systems with advanced data and technology provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). For the 2026–2027 academic year, two graduate fellowships will be awarded to support high-impact, faculty-mentored research aligned with state research priorities.
Projects must address priority needs in North Carolina’s nearshore environments, coastal regions, watersheds or related human activities, while integrating NASA and NOAA instruments, data or technologies. The fellowship supports applied research that delivers both scientific and public value.
Funding Snapshot: What the Fellowship Covers?
This fellowship is designed as direct research support for graduate scholars tackling real-world coastal and environmental challenges.
Total Awards Available
- Number of Fellowships: 2
- Maximum Funding Per Fellow: Up to $10,000
Funding Scope
- Supports graduate research expenses
- Designed for projects integrating NOAA and NASA data, tools or instrumentation
- Research period: Between June 1, 2026 and May 31, 2027
Beyond financial support, fellows gain professional visibility and engagement opportunities:
- Presentation of research findings at major state events such as the NC Coastal Conference and the NC Space Symposium
- Participation in public outreach activities to communicate research impact
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Requirements Explained
The Sea to Stars Fellowship is structured for academically strong, research-focused graduate students with clear institutional backing.
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled as a full-time graduate student at an accredited university in North Carolina
- Be in good academic standing
- Conduct faculty-mentored research
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Propose research aligned with both NC Sea Grant and NC Space Grant strategic priorities
- Use NOAA and NASA data, technology or instruments in the research design.
The proposed research must begin after June 1, 2026 and conclude by May 31, 2027.
How to Apply: A Simple Step-by-Step Path
If you are eligible, here is the streamlined application roadmap:
Step 1: Confirm Alignment
Ensure your proposed research directly addresses North Carolina coastal or watershed priorities and meaningfully integrates NOAA and NASA data resources.
Step 2: Coordinate with Your Faculty Mentor
Develop a faculty-supported research proposal that demonstrates scientific merit, feasibility and policy or community relevance.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Compile your research proposal, academic credentials and any supporting materials required by the fellowship call.
Step 4: Submit Before Deadline
Complete and submit your application before the official deadline (see below). Late submissions are not considered.
Because this is a competitive fellowship with only two awards, applicants are encouraged to clearly demonstrate innovation, interdisciplinary integration and public impact within their proposals.
Important Deadline for 2026 Applicants
The last date to apply for the Sea to Stars Fellowship 2026–2027 is April 13, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.