Antarctic Research Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program Support for Fieldwork

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Description

This opportunity funds research that must be performed, or is best performed, in Antarctica and requires logistical support from the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP). The program aims to:

• Advance understanding of the Antarctic region and its interactions with global systems.
• Investigate dynamic linkages among Antarctic and Southern Ocean processes and their global impacts.
• Expand knowledge of Antarctic systems, biota, and processes.
• Utilize Antarctica as a unique science observing platform.
• Build capacity and enhance diversity in the U.S. workforce for polar-related science.

Research areas include, but are not limited to, earth systems, biological, geochemical, and physical processes, as well as astrophysics and geospace science using Antarctica as an observing platform. The program encourages proposals that broaden participation in STEM and supports education and outreach components.

Note: Only proposals that require USAP logistical support for fieldwork are eligible. Proposals not needing USAP support should consult the Antarctic Sciences web page for other opportunities.

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Due Dates

• Concept Outline Deadline: January 31, 2025 (for 2025 cycle); January 15 annually thereafter.
• Full Proposal Deadline: June 2, 2025 (for 2025 cycle); June 1 annually thereafter.

A Concept Outline must be submitted and receive NSF feedback before a full proposal can be submitted.

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Funding Amount

• Total Program Funding: Up to $60,000,000 annually across all Antarctic Sciences programs.
• Estimated Number of Awards: Up to 50 per year.
• Award Type: Standard or Continuing Grant.
• Individual Award Size: Varies by project scope and logistical needs.

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Eligibility

• Eligible Institutions:

  • U.S.-accredited two- and four-year institutions of higher education (including community colleges).
  • Non-profit, non-academic organizations (e.g., museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies) located in the U.S.
  • Federally recognized Tribal Nations.

• Principal Investigator (PI) Eligibility: No restrictions.

• Number of Proposals: No limits per organization or PI/co-PI.

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Application Process

1. Concept Outline (Required)

• Submit via the Program Suitability and Proposal Concept Tool (ProSPCT) by the Concept Outline deadline.
• Include project summary, team, logistics concept, and justification for Antarctic fieldwork.
• Await NSF feedback (typically within 4 weeks); full proposals must address this feedback.

2. Full Proposal

• Submit via Research.gov or Grants.gov.
• Follow the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG).
• Required supplementary documents:
  • Logistics Requirements and Field Plan (max 2 pages, responsive to Concept Outline feedback).
  • Data Management and Sharing Plan.
  • Results from Prior NSF Support (if applicable).
  • Safe and Inclusive Fieldwork (SAIF) Plan (for off-campus/off-site research).
  • Letters from research support facilities (if requesting their services).
  • UNOLS ship request form (if requesting research vessel support).

3. Review Process

• Proposals are reviewed for intellectual merit, broader impacts, justification for Antarctic fieldwork, operational feasibility, and inclusivity/safety plans.

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Additional Information

• USAP Logistical Support: Only specific types of support at McMurdo, Palmer, and South Pole Stations, and the R/V Nathaniel B. Palmer are available. See the solicitation for details.
• Environmental and Safety Compliance: Projects must comply with the Antarctic Conservation Act, environmental impact assessments, and NSF’s Polar Code of Conduct.
• Insurance: NSF does not provide insurance for personnel; awardees are responsible for their own coverage.
• Broader Impacts: Proposals are encouraged to include education, outreach, and efforts to broaden participation in STEM.

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External Links

• NSF Solicitation & Program Page (NSF 25-525)
• Antarctic Sciences Web Page
• Program Suitability and Proposal Concept Tool (ProSPCT)
• NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)
• Research.gov
• Grants.gov Opportunity Listing
• Download Solicitation PDF

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Contact Information

• General NSF Information Center: (703) 292-5111
• NSF Contact Page
• Grants.gov Support: grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov

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