Alaska Sikuliaq Program

Background

R/V Sikuliaq on the ocean. Photo by Roger Topp
Photo by Roger Topp

R/V Sikuliaq [see-KOO-lee-auk] is a 261-foot oceanographic research ship capable of bringing scientists to the ice-laden waters of Alaska and the polar regions. One of the most advanced university research vessels in the world, Sikuliaq is able to break ice up to 2.5 feet thick. The vessel is owned by the National Science Foundation and has been operated by the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences since 2014 as part of the US academic research fleet.

The State of Alaska allocates $500,000 annually to support research and operations performed by UAF-based researchers aboard Sikuliaq.

Proposal Process

The Alaska Sikuliaq Program manages an annual peer-reviewed proposal process to award these funds. The call for ASP proposals for the CY 2025 field season will open on March 1, 2024, with proposals due March 25, 2024.

To apply for funding, please download and email the completed Alaska Sikuliaq Program Proposal Application [PDF] to skqmarinesup@sfos.uaf.edu. It is recommended that proposers change the title of the document to insert the year, short project name, and PI name (e.g., "Proposal for ASP funding - 2025 - OOI Papa - Cousteau.pdf") before submitting. Deadline is March 25, 2024.

For background on the program, please see the Alaska Sikuliaq Program [PDF].

For more information about Sikuliaq and her operations, see About R/V Sikuliaq.

Launching instrument off Sikuliaq. Photo by Mark Teckenbrock
Photo by Mark Teckenbrock