Biological Anthropology Program - Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants

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Description

This program provides funding for doctoral dissertation research in biological anthropology, supporting projects that advance scientific understanding of the processes shaping biological diversity in living and fossil humans and their primate relatives. The program encourages research that is conceptually grounded in biological anthropological and evolutionary theory, employs interdisciplinary methods (field, lab, computational), and addresses multiple levels of analysis and time scales. Projects should also consider ethical implications and broader societal impacts.

The grant is intended to supplement, not replace, institutional or other funding sources, and is designed to enhance the quality and scope of dissertation research. All subfields of biological anthropology are eligible, including but not limited to human/primate evolution, biological variation, adaptation, and the interplay between biology, behavior, and culture.

Broader impacts—such as outreach, STEM participation, and societal benefit—are strongly encouraged and should be well-integrated into the research plan.

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Due Dates

• Next submission window: July 20–31, 2025 (due by 5 p.m. local time)
• Subsequent annual windows: January 20–31 and July 20–31 each year

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Funding Amount

• Maximum direct costs: $25,000 per award (indirect costs are additional, per institutional rate)
• Project duration: Up to 24 months
• Estimated number of awards: 25–40 per year
• Total program funding: $600,000–$800,000 per year

Allowable costs include travel to research sites, data collection, research supplies/services, field/lab assistants, and specialized equipment or facility fees. Funds may not be used for student/advisor stipends or salaries, tuition, textbooks, dissertation preparation, or travel to professional meetings.

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Eligibility

• Who may apply: Proposals must be submitted by U.S. Ph.D.-granting institutions of higher education on behalf of their faculty.
• PI requirements: The dissertation advisor serves as PI; the doctoral student is listed as co-PI and must be the proposal author.
• Student requirements: Doctoral students must be enrolled at a U.S. institution and at the appropriate stage to submit a finalized dissertation proposal (typically at or near candidacy).
• Submission limits: Each student may submit twice (original + one resubmission); only one DDRIG award per student.
• No institutional or PI submission limits.

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Application Process

• Submission: Proposals must be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov by the dissertation advisor (PI) on behalf of the student (co-PI).
• Required documents:
  • Project summary (1 page)
  • Project description (max 10 pages + up to 5 pages for graphics)
  • Biographical sketches (NSF format) for PI and co-PI(s)
  • Budget and justification (max $25,000 direct costs)
  • Data management and sharing plan
  • Ethics statement (max 2 pages)
  • PI/advisor signed statement (template provided in solicitation)
  • Project personnel list spreadsheet (must be emailed within 1 business day of submission)
  • Letters of collaboration/permission (if applicable)
• No letters of intent or preliminary proposals required.
• Compliance: Proposals must follow the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) and the specific requirements in the program solicitation.

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Additional Information

• Ethics: All proposals require a dedicated ethics statement addressing relevant issues (e.g., community engagement, data sharing, human/animal subjects, environmental impact).
• Broader Impacts: Proposals should include creative, effective broader impact activities (e.g., outreach, diversity, capacity building).
• Data Sharing: Data must be shared (barring ethical limitations) within two years of final data collection.
• Community Engagement: Projects involving Native, Tribal, or Indigenous communities require documentation of collaboration/permission.
• International Collaboration: NSF rarely funds foreign organizations directly; U.S. portion only, with justification for any foreign involvement.
• Budget Restrictions: No cost sharing; no stipends/salaries for student or advisor; no tuition or meeting travel.

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External Links

• NSF Program Solicitation & Details
• NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)
• Recent Awards in Biological Anthropology
• Broader Impacts Guidance
• Personnel List Spreadsheet Template

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Contact Information

For full program details, see the NSF program page.