Proposal Types and Format Guide

This table is a quick reference of required components of the different types of IODP proposals. Complete information is found in the Proposal Submission Guidelines. Note: Site Forms are generated interactively through the online proposal submission system, PDB.

Proposal Type Preliminary Proposal Full Proposal* Ancillary Project Letter (APL) Addendum Proponent Response Letter (PRL)
General

Abstract: 400 words or less (not necessary for PRL)
Scientific Objectives: 250 words or less (not necessary for PRL)
Figures: Cannot be larger than a single page A4 or US Letter
In-text References: Must be (Author, year) and not numerical superscripts
For all text pages:
Font size - 11 or 12 point, line spacing 1.5, margin - 2.5 cm (minimum) all around

Maximum Image 

and File Sizes

Single Site Figure PDF: Maximum 10 Megabytes (MB)

Main Text PDF including Figures (other than the Site Figure): Maximum 15 MB
Deadline

1 April and 1 October (unless otherwise noted), 23:59 UTC

As requested
Main Text

Up to 4,500 words

Up to 10,000 words

Up to 2,500 words

Up to 4,000 words

Up to 2,500 words
Figures & Tables**

Up to 8

Up to 12

Up to 5

Up to 8

Up to 5
List of Proponents

Required

Required

Required

Required if new proponents are added

None
List of Potential Reviewers

None

Required

None

None

None
Curriculum Vitae (CV)

None

Required

None

Required if new proponents are added

None
Proposal Cover Sheet

Required

Required

Required

Required

None

Site Forms

  1: General

  2: Site Survey

  4: Environmental

  5: Lithologies

Site Figure

 Form 1 is Required


 Forms 1, 2, 4, 5 and Site Figure are Required***


 Forms 1, 2, 4, 5 and Site Figure are Required


 Forms 1, 2, 4, 5 and Site Figure are Required for New Sites


 None

How to Submit

All proposal types must be created and submitted using the Proposal Database System. Site characterization data must be uploaded via the Site Survey Data Bank. Contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions about submissions. 

* Full Proposal also includes the sub-types of Multi-phase Drilling Project (MDP), Complementary Project Proposal (CPP). See separate table in the IODP Proposal Guidelines for Land-2-Sea proposals. 

** Figures and Tables are part of the user-uploaded Main Text pdf. They are not uploaded as separate documents. 

*** Detailed site descriptions are not required for MDP, but general site identification is encouraged.