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

June 15, 2026: Application deadline

Up to $40,000 in direct costs per award (plus indirects); ~25 awards/year; project duration up to 36 months.

Supports dissertation-level research by doctoral students at U.S. institutions to advance understanding of the Arctic's natural, social, and cultural systems.

--- ## Description The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) invites proposals for Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (DDRIGs) in the Arctic Sciences Section, Office of Polar Programs. This opportunity supports doctoral students, via their advisors, to conduct research that enhances fundamental, process, and systems-level understanding of the rapidly changing Arctic environment and its social and cultural dynamics. Proposals may be submitted to the Arctic Social Sciences, Arctic System Science, and Arctic Observing Network programs. The program aims to: - Advance scientific understanding of the Arctic region and its global connections. - Support early-career scientists and promote STEM workforce development. - Encourage interdisciplinary, convergent, and collaborative research, including projects that engage Arctic communities and Indigenous knowledge holders. Research topics may include, but are not limited to: environmental change, socioecological systems, sustainability, system modeling, community health, and development of observing networks. --- ## Due Dates - **June 15, 2026:** Application deadline --- ## Funding Amount - **Maximum direct costs per award:** $40,000 (indirect costs are in addition, per the institution’s federally negotiated rate) - **Estimated number of awards:** ~25 annually - **Estimated total program funding:** $1,250,000 per year - **Project duration:** Up to 36 months --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** Proposals must be submitted by U.S. accredited two- or four-year institutions of higher education (including community colleges), acting on behalf of their faculty. - International branch campuses of U.S. IHEs may participate if justified. - **Who May Serve as PI:** The dissertation advisor serves as the Principal Investigator (PI); the doctoral student must be listed as the Co-PI and be the primary author of the proposal, with mentorship from the advisor. - **Student Requirements:** Must be enrolled at a U.S. institution of higher education. - **Proposal Limits:** Each student may be the subject of only two proposals (original and if necessary, one resubmission), unless special dispensation is granted. --- ## Application Process - **Submission Platforms:** Proposals may be submitted via [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/). - **Preparation Guidelines:** Follow the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg) and the [program solicitation](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf20597). - **Proposal Components:** - Project title must begin with “Doctoral Dissertation Research:” - Project description (max 10 pages text + 5 pages figures) - Biographical sketches for both student and advisor(s) - Data management plan (max 2 pages) - Signed statement from PI affirming student’s readiness - Letters of collaboration (if applicable) - Permit documentation (if applicable) - **Budget:** Only costs directly associated with dissertation research are allowed. No stipend/salary for student or advisor; tuition, textbooks, and unrelated travel are not permitted. --- ## Additional Information - **Community Engagement:** Proposals involving Arctic communities or knowledge co-production with Indigenous partners are encouraged; documentation of collaboration or community awareness may be required. - **Data Policy:** All projects must include a plan for rapid and open data sharing, in compliance with NSF’s Office of Polar Programs Data Policy. - **Fieldwork:** For projects involving Arctic fieldwork, coordination with the Arctic Research Support and Logistics program may be necessary; allow sufficient lead time for logistics planning and permitting. - **Human Subjects:** Projects involving human research must address IRB approval or exemption. - **Review Process:** Proposals are reviewed for intellectual merit and broader impacts, as well as adherence to program-specific criteria. --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Page & Solicitation](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/ddrig-arctic-doctoral-dissertation-research-improvement-grants/nsf20-597/solicitation) - [NSF Publication 20-597](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf20597) - [Apply via Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361896) - [Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee Arctic Research Plan](https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/arctic/iarpc/start.jsp) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [Principles for Conducting Research in the Arctic](https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/arctic/conduct.jsp) --- ## Contact Information | Program Area | Email | Phone | |-----------------------------|---------------------------|---------------| | Arctic Observing Network | [AON@nsf.gov](mailto:AON@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8030 | | Arctic System Sciences | [ARCSS@nsf.gov](mailto:ARCSS@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8030 | | Arctic Social Sciences | [ASSP@nsf.gov](mailto:ASSP@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8030 | | Research Support & Logistics| [RSL@nsf.gov](mailto:RSL@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8030 | | General NSF Info | [info@nsf.gov](mailto:info@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-5111 | | Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | |

Arctic Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (Arctic DDRIG) Arctic Social Sciences, Arctic System Sciences, and Arctic Observing Network

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