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

Proposals accepted anytime

Up to $20,000 in direct costs per award (plus indirect costs); typical duration up to 36 months; ~50 awards annually; total program funding ~$1.2M/year

Supports doctoral dissertation research in anthropologically relevant archaeology, including fieldwork, analysis, and methodological projects.

--- ## Description This program provides funding to improve and enhance doctoral dissertation research in anthropologically focused archaeology. The aim is to support projects that advance fundamental archaeological theory, methods, and understanding, without restriction to specific regions, time periods, or theoretical approaches. The program welcomes proposals for research involving fieldwork, analysis of archaeological materials, and development of new analytic techniques with archaeological relevance. Funding is intended to cover research costs not normally supported by a student's university, such as travel, equipment, and specialized analyses. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals are accepted at any time; there is no fixed deadline. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum of $20,000 in allowable direct costs per award (indirect costs may be added per institutional rates). - Awards may last up to 36 months. - Approximately 45–50 awards are made annually. - Total annual program funding is estimated at $1,200,000. - No cost sharing is required. --- ## Eligibility - **Who May Submit:** Only doctoral degree-granting universities and colleges accredited in, and having a campus located in, the U.S. may apply, acting on behalf of their faculty members. - **PI/Co-PI Requirements:** The proposal must be submitted by a faculty member (usually the dissertation advisor) as PI, with the doctoral student as Co-PI. - Each student may be the subject of only two proposals (original and, if necessary, one resubmission) over their career, barring rare special dispensation. - Enrollment in an archaeology or anthropology program is not required, but the research must be anthropologically relevant. --- ## Application Process - Proposals may be submitted via [NSF FastLane](https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/). - Follow the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) and the specific instructions in the program solicitation ([NSF 15-554](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf15554)). - Required components include a 10-page project description (plus up to 5 pages of figures), biographical sketches for both student and advisor, a signed statement from the PI, a data management plan, and (if applicable) letters of collaboration and permit documentation. - No letters of recommendation or transcripts should be included. - Proposals must clearly articulate the anthropological significance, research methods, and broader impacts. - Research expenses eligible for funding include travel, fieldwork, equipment, materials, analysis, and data archiving; student/advisor stipends, tuition, and unrelated expenses are not eligible. --- ## Additional Information - The program does not prioritize any particular region, period, or theoretical orientation. - Projects must demonstrate potential to contribute significant new knowledge to anthropological archaeology. - Projects requiring collaboration or access to specialized facilities should include brief letters of collaboration. - All funded projects must comply with relevant U.S. laws and regulations, including those concerning research permits and data management. --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Page](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/arch-ddrig-archaeology-program-doctoral-dissertation-research) - [NSF 15-554 Program Solicitation](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf15554) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359391) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------|-------------------|----------------------------------|---------------| | John E. Yellen | Program Director | [jyellen@nsf.gov](mailto:jyellen@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8759 | | Don Rimon | Program Analyst | [drimon@nsf.gov](mailto:drimon@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-2960 | | NSF Grants.gov Support | Technical Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | — | | NSF Information Center | General Info | — | (703) 292-5111 | ---

Archaeology Program - Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants

Sign in to see full grant listing