Updated May 16, 2025
State Science Information Needs Program
With one-time funding totaling $8 million from the state of California, COAST developed the State Science Information Needs Program (SSINP) to directly support the state of California’s highest priority ocean and coastal related needs for scientific information. The program supports research designed to address California’s most critical ocean and coastal concerns and solutions. The goal of the program is to provide the science needed for informed policy development and evidence-based decision making in a timely and actionable manner.
Identification of High Priority State Science Information Needs
Rather than requiring applicants to identify stakeholder needs for information, SSINP engages agencies from the beginning to ensure that their needs are well represented in grant solicitations. Structured interviews with state agencies with relevant jurisdiction were conducted in order to identify these needs.
To ensure the research findings from this program are integrated into natural resource management and decision-making processes, COAST fosters strong partnerships from the beginning of each project. This brings together CSU researchers and the state agencies that will benefit from the research outcomes. Additionally, PIs brief the Legislature on their research findings to inform policy decisions and address critical ocean and coastal issues.
Building the future workforce
SSINP offers valuable opportunities for students to engage in faculty-led research, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to thrive in a highly advanced and technology-driven workforce. With over 450,000 students, more than half of whom come from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, the CSU system is uniquely positioned to foster a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
Past RFPs