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, 2026 | January 15, 2027
Funding Amounts: Estimated $60 million annually across the full Antarctic Program (field and non-field-based); ~50 awards/year; standard or continuing grants.
Summary: Supports research advancing understanding of Antarctic and Southern Ocean systems, without requiring U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) field logistics.
Key Information: Proposals requiring USAP field support are NOT eligible; proposals accepted year-round but target dates are strongly encouraged.
Description
This opportunity from the NSF Antarctic Sciences Section funds research that enhances understanding of the Antarctic region and its connections to global Earth systems, focusing on projects that do not require logistical support from the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP). The program seeks proposals that:
- Improve knowledge of interactions between the Antarctic and global systems.
- Advance understanding of biological, geochemical, and physical processes in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean.
- Utilize the Antarctic as a unique scientific platform.
- Build capacity and broaden participation in the U.S. polar science workforce.
Projects may use existing data, samples, or modeling, and can include work at sites outside Antarctica that serve as analogues. Instrumentation development, workshops, and research coordination activities are also supported. Proposals must demonstrate that no USAP field support is needed; those requiring such logistics must apply to other NSF Antarctic solicitations.
