AGES3 AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR EARLY CAREER RESEARCHERS: MICRO-FUNDING AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY GRASSROOTS EFFORT TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE EARTH SYSTEM

The goals of the newly funded Advancing Geochronology Science, Spaces, and Systems (AGeS-cubed or AGeS³) initiative are to 1) increase access to geochronology data and geochronology expertise to further our understanding of unified Earth systems, 2) support and grow the geochronology community, 3) implement a platform to attract underrepresented minorities to the geosciences, and 4) test grassroots ideas at a frontier of inclusive and collaborative science. AGeS³ will build on the success and cooperative spirit of the NSF-funded AGeS1 and AGeS2 programs through the launch of analogous micro-grant opportunities to crowd-source solutions for self-identified geochronology needs. We encourage early career researchers to engage in and benefit from the numerous opportunities associated with AGeS³.

AGeS³ will make ~130 strategic micro-awards ($8-$15k) over four years in its three subprogram branches and engage hundreds across the Earth sciences in collaborative science, training, review, and governance. The mature AGeS-Grad program will support high-impact collaborative science projects between graduate students, labs, and home institution mentors. The prototype AGeS-DiG (Diversity in Geochronology) program will fund pilot initiatives to increase access to geochronology for those underrepresented in the Earth sciences. The new AGeS-TRaCE (Training and Community Engagement) program will support community-led efforts to address other identified geochronology needs.

The AGeS³ micro-awards have potential to transform geoscience research, including that focused on tectonics and lithospheric processes. The overarching strategy of AGeS³ is to harness expertise and creativity across the Earth sciences by enabling collaborative science and evaluating and supporting grassroots community-led solutions to current challenges in geochronology and geosciences. Assessment and evaluation activities will provide formative feedback to shape the initiative over its arc. BAJEDI is infused throughout all activities, and outcomes of diverse participation will be sought via inclusive and accessible practices that promote a sense of belonging in the community.