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

$5,000,000–$6,000,000 total annually; typical award $200,000–$350,000 over 2–3 years; 20–30 awards expected per year.

Supports anthropologically relevant archaeological research to advance understanding of past human behaviors, with no restrictions on region, period, or theoretical approach.

--- ## Description This program provides funding for senior-level research in archaeology that is significant within an anthropological context. The grant supports a wide range of archaeological research projects, including both fieldwork and analysis of archaeological material, and encourages innovative approaches. There are no priorities by geographic region, time period, or theoretical orientation. Projects may be carried out by individual researchers or collaborative teams. The program also encourages integration of broader impact activities, such as public engagement, STEM training, and capacity-building. --- ## Due Dates - July 3, 2023 - December 1, 2023 - July 1, 2024 - December 1, 2024 - July 1, 2025 - December 1, 2025 - July 1, 2026 Proposals are accepted twice annually, with deadlines on July 1 and December 1 each year. --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: $5,000,000–$6,000,000 annually. - Number of awards: 20–30 per year. - Typical award size: $200,000–$350,000 total (including indirect costs) for a project duration of 2–3 years. - Cost sharing is not required or allowed. - Additional funding mechanisms (e.g., REU supplements, CAREER, EAGER, RAPID) are available for specialized project types. --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants: U.S. institutions as defined by the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG), including colleges, universities, non-profit, and other research organizations. Unaffiliated individuals are not eligible. - Principal Investigators (PI) and co-PIs must have a Ph.D. or equivalent education/experience and be capable of independent basic research. - Undergraduate and graduate students may be included in projects, but cannot serve as PI, co-PI, or other senior/key personnel. - No limit on the number of proposals per organization or per PI/co-PI. --- ## Application Process - Proposals may be submitted via [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov). - No letters of intent or preliminary proposals required. - All proposals must follow the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg). - Proposals must include a project summary, project description (with broader impacts and ethical considerations), data management and sharing plan, and any required supplementary documentation (e.g., biographical sketches, letters of collaboration). - Proposals are reviewed using NSF’s two merit criteria: Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. --- ## Additional Information - Data generated must be shared (barring ethical limitations) within two years of final data collection. - The program encourages ethical research practices, community engagement, and the inclusion of broader impact activities. - Special programs (e.g., REU, CAREER, EAGER, RAPID, HRRBAA) are available; see the solicitation for details. - For projects involving international collaboration, NSF typically funds only the U.S. portion. Documentation of permits and collaboration agreements is required. - If unsure about program fit, researchers are encouraged to contact program officers with a one-page summary prior to submission. --- ## External Links - [NSF program page and solicitation](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/arch-sr-archaeology-program-senior-research-awards/nsf23-566/solicitation) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [NSF additional information and publication 23-566](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf23566) - [NSF Award Search – recent archaeology awards](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=1391%2C1393&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role/Area | Email | Phone | |---------------------|------------------------------|----------------------------|--------------| | John E. Yellen | Program Director | jyellen@nsf.gov | 703-292-8759 | | Don Rimon | Business Operations Analyst | drimon@nsf.gov | 703-292-2960 | | NSF Info Center | General Information | info@nsf.gov | 703-292-5111 | | Research.gov Help | Technical Support | rgov@nsf.gov | 800-673-6188 | | Grants.gov Contact | Grants.gov Support | support@grants.gov | 800-518-4726 | For further details, consult the [NSF contact page](https://new.nsf.gov/about/contact-us).

Archaeology Program Senior Research Awards

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