Astrobiology Early Career Collaboration Award Application

To apply for an Astrobiology Early Career Collaboration Award, please follow both steps below by October 15, 2025.

1. Submit the ECCA Applicant Information Form below.
2. Submit a written application document as a single PDF. Include the three components below: Collaboration Plan, Budget and Schedule, a Letter of Recommendation, and a Letter of Support. Combine all parts of your written application into a single PDF document and email to HQ-Astrobiology-EC@mail.nasa.gov, except for Letters which may be sent separately by the letter writer.

Collaboration Plan

Create a brief description of the research you plan to conduct at the hosting laboratory (including, for example, any technique you expect to learn, or equipment you will need to use). Include how the collaboration is relevant to your research and astrobiology, tying to the Decadal Strategy for Planetary Science and / or the Astrobiology Strategy for the Search for Life in the Universe as well as a rationale for the team(s)/researcher(s) you plan to visit. Also provide a short statement explaining your research background, interest in astrobiology and career plan. Limit all text of the Collaboration Plan to <1500 words (excluding references and image/table captions in the word count).

Budget and Schedule

Include a budget breakdown describing what travel funds are required, how they will be used, and the approximate dates of travel. These awards can cover travel expenses only and exclude support for supplies or analyses. 

Letters of Recommendation and Support

Submit letters of recommendation from your academic supervisor (advisor, supervisor or department chair) and a letter of support from the researcher you plan to visit. Alternatively, have them send letters directly to HQ-Astrobiology-EC@mail.nasa.gov.

ECCA Applicant Information Form

Please note that pressing the "Submit" button above will only submit the Applicant Information portion of the ECCA application (Step 1). Your application is not complete until both the Information Form is submitted and a Collaboration Plan, Budget and Schedule, and all letters of recommendation are received at HQ-Astrobiology-EC@mail.nasa.gov as per Step 2.

Applicants will be notified of an award decision no later than 4-6 weeks after the application deadline has passed.