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

Proposals accepted anytime

$500,000–$1,500,000 per award; up to $60,000,000 total annual funding

Supports research to advance understanding of Antarctic systems, their global connections, and to utilize Antarctica as a unique scientific platform.

--- ## Description The U.S. National Science Foundation's Antarctic Sciences Section (ANT) within the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) funds innovative research that improves understanding of the Antarctic region and its role in global systems, expands knowledge of Antarctic systems, biota, and processes, and leverages the unique characteristics of Antarctica as a scientific observing platform. The program encourages both field-based and non-field-based research, interdisciplinary projects, and collaborations between polar and cyberinfrastructure researchers. The U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) provides logistical support for research that must be, or is best, conducted in Antarctica or the Southern Ocean. Proposals utilizing existing samples and data, as well as those that broaden participation and representation in Antarctic research, are encouraged. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals are accepted at any time; there are no fixed deadlines. - For projects requiring Antarctic fieldwork, submission is recommended at least 18 months prior to the desired field deployment. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical award size: $500,000–$1,500,000 per project. - Estimated total annual program funding: up to $60,000,000. - Awards may be standard or continuing grants, subject to availability of funds. - No cost-sharing or matching is required. --- ## Eligibility - Eligibility is unrestricted; open to all categories of proposers identified in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG), including U.S. academic institutions, non-profits, for-profits, and government entities. - Unaffiliated individuals are not eligible to apply. - No restrictions on who may serve as PI or co-PI. - No limits on the number of proposals per organization or investigator. --- ## Application Process - Proposals must be submitted via [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov/) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/). - FastLane submissions are not accepted. - Letters of intent and preliminary proposals are not required. - Proposals must comply with the [NSF PAPPG](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg). - For proposals involving Antarctic fieldwork: - Include the statement "This proposal requires fieldwork in the Antarctic." as the last line of the Project Summary. - Submit a Logistics Requirement and Field Plan as a supplementary document. - Projects needing research vessels or NSF-supported research facilities must include appropriate documentation or letters. - For proposals not involving fieldwork: Include the statement "This proposal does not require fieldwork in the Antarctic." as the last line of the Project Summary. - All 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). --- ## Additional Information - ANT encourages proposals that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion, including participation from underrepresented groups, early-career researchers, and institutions in EPSCoR jurisdictions. - Fieldwork in Antarctica is supported only when it is essential to the research objectives. - Proposals for instrument development, education, and outreach are welcome, but should follow specific guidance in the solicitation. - Projects with fieldwork must comply with environmental protection requirements under the Antarctic Treaty and U.S. law. - Standard NSF merit review criteria apply, including intellectual merit and broader impacts. --- ## External Links - [Program Solicitation and Details](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/antarctic-research/5519/nsf21-567/solicitation) - [NSF Publication 21-567](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf21567) - [NSF Antarctic Sciences Section Program Page](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/antarctic-research/5519) - [Research.gov Application Portal](https://www.research.gov/) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359408) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg) - [U.S. Antarctic Program Information](https://www.usap.gov/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |-------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|-----------------| | General Inquiries (NSF Grants.gov Support) | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | | | Kelly Brunt, Antarctic Glaciology | [kbrunt@nsf.gov](mailto:kbrunt@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8457 | | Paul M. Cutler, Glaciology, Ice Core Science | [pcutler@nsf.gov](mailto:pcutler@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-4961 | | Michael E. Jackson, Earth Science, Geodesy | [mejackso@nsf.gov](mailto:mejackso@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7120 | | Robert Moore, Aeronomy & Astrophysics | [rmoore@nsf.gov](mailto:rmoore@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7990 | | Vladimir Papitashvili, Astrophysics & Geospace | [vpapita@nsf.gov](mailto:vpapita@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7425 | | Allen Pope, Polar Cyberinfrastructure | [apope@nsf.gov](mailto:apope@nsf.gov) | (702) 292-2858 | | David A. Sutherland, Oceans & Atmospheric Sci. | [dasuther@nsf.gov](mailto:dasuther@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8030 | | Maria Vernet, Antarctic Organisms & Ecosystems | [mvernet@nsf.gov](mailto:mvernet@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-5308 | | Elizabeth L. Rom, Polar Education | [elrom@nsf.gov](mailto:elrom@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7709 | | Jessie L. Crain, Antarctic Research Support | [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 | For technical questions about proposal submission: - Research.gov Help Desk: 1-800-673-6188, [rgov@nsf.gov](mailto:rgov@nsf.gov) - Grants.gov Contact Center: 1-800-518-4726, [support@grants.gov](mailto:support@grants.gov)

Antarctic Research

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