Arctic Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (Arctic DDRIG) Arctic Social Sciences, Arctic System Sciences, and Arctic Observing Network
NSF offers grants to support U.S. doctoral research advancing understanding of Arctic natural, social, and cultural systems through its Arctic Social Sciences, System Sciences, and Observing Network programs.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: December 15, 2026 (Full proposal) | May 15, 2027 (Annual full proposal)
Funding Amounts: Up to $40,000 in direct costs, plus indirect costs, for up to 36 months
Summary: Supports doctoral dissertation research advancing understanding of Arctic environmental, social, and cultural systems and their global connections.
Key Information: The dissertation advisor must serve as PI, with the doctoral student as co-PI and primary proposal author.
Description
The Arctic Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants program supports dissertation-level research through NSF’s Arctic Sciences Section in the Office of Polar Programs. Participating programs are Arctic Social Sciences (ASSP), Arctic System Science (ARCSS), and Arctic Observing Network (AON). Grants enhance doctoral research that advances basic scientific knowledge, from disciplinary studies of Arctic processes to interdisciplinary investigations of linked social, biological, physical, and geochemical systems.
The program emphasizes understanding the Arctic’s rapidly changing natural environment and social and cultural systems, including connections with lower latitudes and, where appropriate, projecting future change. Research may occur outside the Arctic if its contribution to Arctic knowledge is clearly explained. The program also develops early-career research capacity and the STEM workforce. NSF provides Arctic logistical infrastructure and field support and may coordinate co-review and co-funding with other programs and partners.
