University of Alaska Fairbanks/Sikuliaq Oceanographic Instrumentation - 2025

The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) requests funds for oceanographic instrumentation that are needed to carry out NSF-supported scientific research on board the R/V Sikuliaq, a vessel operating as part of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet (ARF). The specific suite of instrumentation requested includes a shallow water multibeam system which would significantly enhance the vessel’s ability to support a wide range of oceanographic and environmental research; a fisheries sonar suite that would replace an aging system; and a new sub-bottom profiling system processing unit that has reached end-of-life. The combined purchase and installation of these systems would benefit from a planned shipyard in 2026 and would ensure the vessel maintains its high-level capabilities to support NSF-funded research. The principal impact of the present proposal is under Merit Review Criterion 2 of the Proposal Guidelines (NSF 23-525). It provides infrastructure support for scientists to use the vessel and its shared-use instrumentation in support of their NSF-funded oceanographic research projects (which individually undergo separate review by the relevant research program of NSF). The acquisition, maintenance, and operation of shared-use instrumentation allows NSF-funded researchers from any US university or other organization access to well-maintained, high-quality, calibrated instruments for their research. It ensures the collection of high-quality oceanographic data in support of science, reduces the cost of that research, and expands the base of potential researchers. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.