The MSGC Research Seed Grant Program supports junior faculty and research scientists at MSGC affiliate institutions. The program also helps mid-career and senior faculty develop new research programs. The objective of this program is to allow award recipients to develop the research expertise necessary to propose research activities in new areas to other federal or non-federal sources. Proposals must address a problem in the engineering, science, mathematics, life sciences, or related educational research and must include a detailed plan for submitting a larger proposal to NASA or any other major funding agency; e.g., the National Science Foundation. Initiation of a new area of research is preferred over efforts to continue an existing project or study. Preference is given to projects focusing on aerospace, space or Earth system science, although awards are not strictly limited to these topics. The MSGC strongly encourages women, underrepresented minorities, and people with disabilities to apply.