Execute a balanced science program based on discipline-specific guidance from the national academies of sciences engineering and medicine administration priorities and direction from congress

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Shared Services Center awarded the University of Massachusetts $5.215 million on January 1, 2026, under the Science program (CFDA 43.001) to execute a balanced science program aligned with National Academies guidance and Congressional direction, serving as a key partner and enabler in the agency's strategic objectives.

Performance runs through December 31, 2027, at the University of Massachusetts Office of Grant & Contract Administration in Amherst, Massachusetts. The award supports fundamental and applied research across disciplinary domains within NASA's Science Mission Directorate framework, which encompasses astrophysics, biological and physical sciences, Earth science, heliophysics, planetary science, and lunar exploration research.

The University of Massachusetts passed through funding to seven sub-recipients executing collaborative research under the overarching initiative "Exploring the FRESH Arctic: Fate of River Export and Surface Hydrology." Sub-recipients include The Pennsylvania State University (awarded May 7, 2026), Williams College (May 18, 2026), University of Washington Office of Sponsored Programs (May 5, 2026), University of Cincinnati Sponsored Research Services (April 30, 2026), Earth and Space Research (April 29, 2026), Michigan Technological University (May 22, 2026), and San Jose State University Research Foundation (June 24, 2026). These institutions deliver oceanographic and hydrological research focused on Arctic freshwater dynamics, sea ice interactions, satellite data analysis, and climate-system modeling using multi-satellite observations and numerical simulations to characterize river export processes and surface hydrology in high-latitude systems.

Participate as a key partner and enabler in the agenc