IODP expeditions are formally proposed to the international community via a drilling proposal. The proposal process provides tremendous opportunities for individuals and groups, including other science programs in liaison with IODP, to explore the frontiers of Earth Science and related disciplines through ocean drilling. Through proposals, individual scientists and groups of scientists have the opportunity to respond to IODP’s scientific priorities and to recommend appropriate targets for drilling.

Drilling proposals must be submitted by the yearly deadlines April 1 and October 1. The IODP website contains important information about preparing and submitting a drilling proposal, including the latest proposal submission guidelines. These guidelines describe the basic types of proposal documents, the specific requirements for each type, and the general review process. The IODP Science Support Office can answer specific questions about the guidelines and about how to proceed through the process.