Antarctic Research Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program Support for Fieldwork
This grant supports cutting-edge Antarctic research, advancing understanding of Antarctic systems and global processes, and enhancing diversity in the US workforce for polar-related science, with logistical support from the USAP.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: January 31, 2025 (Concept Outline) | June 2, 2025 (Full Proposal) | January 15, 2027 (Concept Outline, annual) | June 1, 2027 (Full Proposal, annual)
Funding Amounts: Up to $60 million annually across all Antarctic Sciences programs; ~50 awards per year; award sizes/durations vary by project scope.
Summary: Supports research requiring U.S. Antarctic Program logistical fieldwork to advance understanding of Antarctic systems and their global connections.
Key Information: Concept Outline submission is required prior to full proposal; USAP logistical support is limited due to ongoing infrastructure upgrades.
Description
This program funds research projects that require logistical support from the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) for fieldwork in Antarctica. The goal is to advance fundamental knowledge of Antarctic systems—including their biological, geochemical, and physical processes—and their connections to global Earth systems. Projects may focus on understanding environmental change, using Antarctica as a platform for scientific observation, or developing new instrumentation for polar research. Proposals must demonstrate that the research can only be conducted, or is best conducted, in Antarctica.
NSF's Antarctic Sciences Section (ANT) supports a wide range of research across all major areas of Antarctic and Southern Ocean science, including interdisciplinary projects and those that broaden participation in STEM. Due to ongoing infrastructure maintenance and upgrades, logistical support for new projects is limited and subject to specific constraints outlined in the solicitation.
