Cultural Anthropology Program Senior Research Awards
Supporting cultural anthropology research across sub-fields and methodologies to deepen understanding of human social and cultural variability, with emphasis on theory generation and testing for scientific advancement.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: January 15, 2025 | August 15, 2025 | August 15, 2026 | August 17, 2026 | January 15, 2027
Funding Amounts: ~$4,000,000 total program funding annually; typical senior research awards up to $120,000/year (max 3 years); special tracks vary (see Funding Amount section).
Summary: Supports fundamental, theory-driven research and training to advance understanding of human social and cultural variability in all subfields of cultural anthropology.
Description
This program funds fundamental, systematic research and training in cultural anthropology to enhance knowledge about the causes, consequences, and complexities of human social and cultural variability. Proposals are welcomed from all subfields and may use a variety of methods, including ethnography, surveys, remote sensing, biomarker collection, experimental and archival research, modeling, and more. The primary goal is to generate empirically grounded, generalizable findings that advance anthropological theory, rather than applied policy or clinical outcomes. The program supports a range of project types, including senior research, CAREER awards, community-engaged research, training, conferences, and interdisciplinary initiatives.
