CONVEI: Collaborative Network for Valuing Earth Information Program (US)

The Collaborative Network for Valuing Earth Information, CONVEI, is a five-year program that aims to improve understanding and awareness of the values of Earth Science Information (ESI) in decision-making and operational contexts by advancing the assessment methods and knowledge base of the diverse societal benefits of this information and by enhancing the capacity of a diverse and inclusive community of Earth scientists and social scientists to conduct such assessments. CONVEI is a collaborative program of NASA, NOAA, and USGS, led by the World Wildlife Fund. Through this work, CONVEI is seeking to advance understanding of the full range of societal benefits of ESI, when and how it has the greatest benefits, and how to continue to improve its relevance to researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and society.

CONVEI is soliciting a cohort of one-year projects that will develop case studies for valuing ESI, through the application of different types of assessment methods in different decision contexts. This will be supported either through small grants made to your institutions or through fellowships supported by WWF as the lead institution. This call for cases seeks to diversify the types of values assessed, expand the set of methods for valuing information, and reflect the complexity of decisions made using ESI.

These case studies will demonstrate the uses of ESI in decision support and will build the knowledge base for further understanding the range of the values of ESI. Cases will also inform a valuation guide that will help build capacity across the Earth science and evaluation communities. Cases will be summarized and made widely accessible through CONVEI’s case study library to showcase the wide range of the values that EO and ESI can provide to communities, as well as the different valuation methods for assessing these values.

Focus Areas

• The focus of the case studies will be on the values that ESI provides to people answering a question or making a decision, recognizing that the process of translating information to societal value is complex.
• CONVEI will prioritize its selection of proposals for cases that highlight:
  • a range of assessment methods for evaluating the value of ESI (both quantitative and qualitative)
  • an array of societal values and metrics (e.g., monetary, health, equity, subjective well-being, cultural values, etc.)
  • diverse contexts for the use of ESI (e.g., in the context of disasters, climate adaptation, resource stability, poverty, environmental justice, etc.)
  • Characterizes the complex factors that influence how ESI data is turned into actionable information and decisions by different actors, particularly by underserved/underrepresented actors.

Funding Information

• CONVEI will award multiple grants ranging from $100,000 – $125,000 each OR fellowship hosted by WWF for one year that will advance the application and/or application of socioeconomic assessment methods of ESI through case studies.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility criteria to be considered for a grant. These eligibility criteria are subject to change at WWF’s sole discretion:
  • Applications must be submitted on behalf of an entity located within the United States.
  • Selected applicants must attend a 2-day kickoff meeting in Washington, D.C., scheduled for October 29-30, 2024.
  • Successful applicants are responsible for submitting and acquiring IRB approvals, as appropriate. Proof of approval is required before work commences.

For more information, visit WWF.