Announcing a New GSA
Research Award: Jack Kleinman Memorial Award for Volcano Research
The Jack Kleinman Memorial Award for Volcano Research represents a partnership between GSA and the U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS) to recognize early-career scientists conducting high-impact research in volcanology.
The award was created in memory of Jack Kleinman—a USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory scientist known for his
commitment to collecting high-quality field data and who relished a challenge, inspired enthusiasm in others,
and delighted in the natural world. The award honors students who demonstrate these same qualities in their
scientific explorations. Up to $5,000 may be awarded to undergraduate, graduate, and aspiring graduate students,
regardless of current enrollment status.
Learn More and Apply Now!
The primary role of the GSA research grants program is to provide partial support of master's and
doctoral thesis research in the geological sciences for graduate students enrolled in universities in the
United States, Canada, Mexico and Central America. In 2025, approximately $900,000 was awarded to 354
graduate students (~52.2% of the 678 who applied), with an average grant of ~$2,688.
Goals
- Support graduate student research in the geosciences and ultimately
enhance the
geoscience workforce.
- Provide career development opportunity for students by gaining experience
with
grants writing, project development and research.
- Increase the diversity of the geosciences through opportunities for
students of
underrepresented communities to achieve success in research
Specialized
Awards: The Committee on Research Grants selects recipients of special awards from applicants to the
general research grants program. A
student may not apply directly for a specialized grant, however may indicate on the application if he/she would
like to
be considered for an award. These are generally recognition awards only with no additional funding. However,
some specialized awardees may be funded for an amount greater than US$2,500.
GSA invites the full participation of individuals traditionally underserved in the geosciences, which includes
but is not limited to individuals who identify as racially and/or ethnically diverse, LGBTIQ+, persons with
disabilities, and individuals who experience intersectionality with one or more of these identities.
Eligibility
- Eligibility is restricted to GSA members. How to Join
GSA.
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in a North American or Central American university or
college in an earth science graduate degree program (with a geologic component).
- Applicants do not need to be a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien.
- The research focus can be any subject matter within the geological sciences, such as paleontology,
karst,
geochemistry, stratigraphy, geoscience education, petroleum geology, and more. (See the full list of Subject Matter Categories.)
- Students may receive a total of two GSA graduate student grants in their entire academic career,
regardless of
what program currently enrolled in.
Deadlines
- 2026 applications open: 1 December
- 2026 application deadline: 18 February, 11:59 p.m. MST.
- Results are reported to applicants via email in late May/early June.
- Grants will be paid out in July.
Please view this instructional video to learn how to apply, eligibility details, and helpful tips for your application:
Applications
Appraisal Forms
- Appraisal forms are due 25 February, 11:59 p.m. MST.
- One appraisal from the primary advisor is required with each application. Advisors do not have to be
members of
GSA or come from the same institution as the applicant.
- The Appraisal Forms must be submitted by the advisors electronically through the online application system.
- Applications missing the appraisal form will not be eligible. The applicant is responsible for ensuring
their
advisor submits the appraisal form.
- Appraisal
Worksheet:
Advisors
may use this to compose their responses to all appraisal questions.
- Advisors/appraisers may learn more on the Information
for Advisors page.
Progress Report Forms
- All grant recipients are required to submit a progress
report (JotForm) by 1 February of the following year.
- A copy of the progress report for any previous GSA research grant must be included with a current proposal
regardless if one has already been submitted to GSA.
Taxation
- For tax purposes, all students chosen to receive a grant will need to provide their Social Security Number
(SSN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN), if they have one, or certify that they have no SSN nor TIN. Failure
to
respond promptly may result in the forfeiture of the grant. (Students who have neither an SSN nor TIN may
receive a grant, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria.)
- The Geological Society of America is required to issue 1099 forms shortly after the end of each calendar
year
according to
rules set by the IRS. Issuance of a 1099 does not necessarily mean the income is taxable to the
recipient. You
need to make that determination which may require professional advice. GSA cannot offer such advice.
- 1099 forms are now issued via email. Please make sure GSA has your current email address on file.
Contact
Geological Society of America
P.O. Box 9140
Boulder, CO 80301-9140
Phone: +1-303-357-1000
researchgrants@geosociety.org
Thank you for your interest in our program.