Spectral Evolution: Research Partnership Program

Thank you to all those who submitted their applications last year.  The program was a huge success in 2025 so we will continue to engage and acknowledge our long-standing commitment to the field of remote sensing by continuing this program for 2026.

Our aim is continue to further foster an innovative research environment within the global Remote Sensing and Field Spectroscopy communities.

The idea is to provide researchers temporary access to a field spectroradiometer—something that could be challenging to come by—to facilitate smaller research projects that can swiftly determine whether a hypothesis is viable or rule it out for further study.

Proposal submissions for the competition must be received by December 31, 2025. This deadline is firm so that the review committee can consider applications during the following month and select recipients.

INNOVATION

This initiative supports original, non-traditional, and/or basic research. Though they might be opportunistic, proposals should be creative and strive for success.

ELIGIBILITY

Researchers from all over the world are eligible.  We accept submissions from academic scholars as well as non-profit and government researchers. Each researcher may only submit one submission for consideration.

INSTRUMENT REQUESTSNaturaSpec Spectroradiometer

Spectral Evolution is allocating a UV-VIS-NIR field spectroradiometer (350nm to 2500nm) for temporary use during the selected research projects. Usage of the instrument is limited to 3 weeks.

PROPOSALS

Submissions must include a description of the goal, the instrument required, who it involves, why it would be essential, and how it might advance scientific boundaries. They should not exceed two pages. The greatest ideas will identify a theory being tested or a specific goal being sought, going beyond a mere advancement in understanding. For more detailed information, please refer to the official format guidelines.

RESULTS

Recipients are required to provide Spectral Evolution with a one-page summary of their research and results. Inclusion of supporting photos and visual data are encouraged as well and are not included in the summary page count.

SELECTION

A review committee with representatives from many disciplines will be constituted, and the selection process will be predicated on an impartial assessment of the concepts, devoid of any deduction for discipline.

REQUIREMENTS

Spectral Evolution will require full access to the spectral data collected by the researchers in addition to providing a 15-minute webinar presentation based on their research and application.

Proposal Format Guidelines:

Please use the following format for your proposal to ensure standardized content and to simplify evaluation by the review team.

  • Proposals should fit within two printed pages and may include anything you think strengthens your proposal.
  • Minimum 12 pt. font size
  • A graphic may also be included if it clarifies your proposed research.
  • Only PDF document uploads will be accepted.
  • Please submit your proposal by December 31, 2025.

Each researcher may only submit one proposal for consideration. After submitting this application, an email confirming receipt will be sent to you.

Please use the following headings and format for your submission:

  1. Project Title
  2. Investigator(s) & Title status
  3. Email contact and phone information
  4. Institution and or Company name and location
  5. Requested dates (please include explanation of time-frame requirement and most importantly, factor in required shipping deadlines/times if needed.
  6. Abstract and Objective(s) of the research
  7. What makes this research important or innovative?
  8. Research Plan
  9. Will the research be performed in collaboration with other researchers?

2026 calendar year program proposals must be received in our office by December 31, 2025.

Note: Spectral Evolution does not cover shipping or insurance to and from the recipient’s location.

Proposal Submission Form: