[U.S. National Science Foundation](https://www.nsf.gov/)

Proposals accepted anytime

Up to $55,000,000 annually; typical awards are standard or continuing grants; no minimum or maximum specified.

Supports research expanding fundamental knowledge of Antarctic systems, their global connections, and use of Antarctica as a scientific platform.

--- ## Description The Antarctic Sciences Section (ANT) of the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) at the U.S. National Science Foundation supports innovative research to advance understanding of Antarctic systems, biota, and processes, as well as their interactions with global systems. The program also encourages projects that utilize Antarctica's unique characteristics as a platform for scientific observation. Research supported by this program can involve fieldwork in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean (when essential) or use of existing samples, data, and models without field deployment. ANT encourages interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary approaches, as well as proposals from researchers new to Antarctic science and from groups underrepresented in polar research. The U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) provides logistical support for field-based research. Protection of the Antarctic environment is a fundamental consideration for all field activities. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals accepted anytime. --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total annual program funding: $55,000,000. - Awards are made as standard or continuing grants. - No specified minimum or maximum award size. - Approximately 50 awards are anticipated annually, subject to availability of funds. --- ## Eligibility - Open to all categories of proposers as identified in the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg), Chapter I.E. - Unaffiliated individuals are not eligible to submit proposals. - No restrictions or limits on who may serve as PI, number of proposals per organization, or number of proposals per PI or Co-PI. - U.S. academic institutions, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, and government entities are all eligible. --- ## Application Process - Proposals may be submitted via [FastLane](https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/), [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov/), or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/). - Letters of Intent and preliminary proposals are not required. - Proposals involving Antarctic fieldwork must include a "Logistics Requirement and Field Plan" as a supplementary document (see solicitation for details). - Proposals must include a Data Management Plan compliant with the [OPP Data Management Policy](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf16055). - Proposals requesting research vessel support must submit a [UNOLS ship request form](https://strs.unols.org/public/diu_login.aspx). - Proposals requesting services from NSF-supported research facilities must include a letter from the facility indicating feasibility and any additional costs. - Proposals are reviewed using NSF's standard merit review criteria: Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts, with additional criteria for fieldwork justification and operational feasibility. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals for fieldwork should be submitted at least 18 months prior to the desired field deployment. - Cost sharing is not required or permitted. - The program encourages proposals that broaden participation, including support for students from underrepresented groups. - All Antarctic fieldwork must be justified as essential to the research and planned to minimize environmental impacts. - Compliance with the [Polar Code of Conduct](https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/documents/policy/polar_coc.pdf) is required for all field participants. --- ## External Links - [Program Solicitation and Details (NSF 20-568)](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf20568) - [NSF Antarctic Sciences Program Page](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/antarctic-research/5519) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [Grants.gov Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359437) - [U.S. Antarctic Program Information](https://www.usap.gov/) - [OPP Data Management Policy](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf16055) --- ## Contact Information | Name & Area | Email | Phone | |---|---|---| | Paul M. Cutler (Glaciology, Ice Core Science, Geomorphology) | [pcutler@nsf.gov](mailto:pcutler@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-4961 | | Karla Heidelberg (Antarctic Organisms and Ecosystems) | [kheidelb@nsf.gov](mailto:kheidelb@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-2586 | | Michael E. Jackson (Earth Science, Geodesy, Geophysics, Instrumentation) | [mejackso@nsf.gov](mailto:mejackso@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7120 | | Peter Milne (Physical Oceanography, Meteorology, Atmospheric Sciences) | [pmilne@nsf.gov](mailto:pmilne@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-4714 | | Robert Moore (Aeronomy & Astrophysics) | [rmoore@nsf.gov](mailto:rmoore@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7990 | | Vladimir Papitashvili (Astrophysics and Geospace Sciences) | [vpapita@nsf.gov](mailto:vpapita@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7425 | | Allen Pope (Polar Cyberinfrastructure) | [apope@nsf.gov](mailto:apope@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-2858 | | Elizabeth L. Rom (Polar Education) | [elrom@nsf.gov](mailto:elrom@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7709 | | Jessie L. Crain (Antarctic Research Support Manager) | [jlcrain@nsf.gov](mailto:jlcrain@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7457 | | Timothy M. McGovern (Oceans Project Manager) | [tmcgover@nsf.gov](mailto:tmcgover@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-4248 | | NSF Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | | ---

Antarctic Research

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