High-Risk Research in Biological Anthropology and Archaeology
Funding for risky anthropological projects in challenging locations to assess feasibility and potentially develop larger research programs.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: Proposals accepted anytime
Funding Amounts: Up to $35,000 per award (1 year); estimated total program funding $150,000; typically 2–5 awards/year.
Summary: Supports high-risk, exploratory research in biological anthropology and archaeology to assess project feasibility.
Key Information: Must contact NSF Program Director before submission; program may be awaiting a new solicitation.
Description
This program supports small, high-risk, exploratory research projects in biological anthropology and archaeology. The goal is to allow investigators to assess the feasibility of research ideas that could have significant impact but face unusual uncertainty, such as access to remote sites or untested methodologies. Awards are intended for pilot or proof-of-concept work that, if successful, would serve as the foundation for more developed research proposals. The proposed activity must be clearly high risk in nature, with the potential for substantial advancement in the discipline.
