Antarctic Research Not Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) Field Support
This grant funds innovative research to advance understanding of Antarctic and global systems without requiring U.S. Antarctic Program field support, using existing data, analog sites, or remote methods.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: June 2, 2025 | January 15, 2026 | June 1, 2027 | January 15, 2027
Funding Amounts: ~$60 million total program funding annually; ~50 awards per year; standard or continuing grants; no specified individual cap.
Summary: Supports research advancing understanding of Antarctic and Southern Ocean systems that does not require U.S. Antarctic Program field logistics.
Key Information: Proposals requiring USAP field support are not eligible; proposals accepted any time but target dates are strongly encouraged.
Description
This opportunity from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Antarctic Sciences Section funds research projects that improve understanding of the Antarctic region and its global connections, with a focus on proposals that do not require logistical support from the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP). Supported research spans biological, geochemical, and physical processes in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean, including projects using existing data or samples, laboratory work, modeling, or research at analogous sites outside Antarctica.
The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, development of new instrumentation or observing technologies, and activities that broaden participation in polar science. Education and outreach components are welcomed, especially those engaging students and underrepresented groups in STEM.
Projects that require USAP field logistics are not eligible under this solicitation; such proposals should be directed to other relevant NSF Antarctic opportunities.
