[National Science Foundation](https://www.nsf.gov)

Proposals accepted anytime

Up to $35,000 total costs for one year; 2–5 awards per year

Supports high-risk, exploratory research in biological anthropology and archaeology to assess project feasibility and enable future, larger-scale studies.

Applicants must contact the NSF Program Director before submitting a proposal.

--- ## Description This program provides small-scale funding for high-risk, exploratory research projects in biological anthropology and archaeology. The goal is to enable investigators to assess the feasibility of research ideas that may be difficult to evaluate or fund through standard mechanisms due to their risk, novelty, or logistical challenges—such as work in remote or unpredictable locations, or projects requiring proof-of-concept or access. The information and data gathered through these awards are intended to serve as the foundation for more fully developed research proposals in the future. Projects must clearly demonstrate a high level of risk and the potential for significant advancement in anthropological knowledge. The risk should exceed that of typical research projects, and the potential payoff should be substantial. **Applicants are required to contact the cognizant NSF Program Director before submitting a proposal** to ensure the project is appropriate for this mechanism. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals are accepted at any time; there are no fixed deadlines. - Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. (submitter's local time) on the day of submission. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $35,000 total costs - Maximum duration: 1 year - Estimated number of awards: 2–5 per year (subject to availability of funds) - No cost sharing is required or allowed. --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants are those permitted under the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG), Chapter I.E.](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg). - Unaffiliated individuals are not eligible to apply. - No restrictions on who may serve as Principal Investigator (PI). - No limits on the number of proposals per organization or per PI/co-PI. --- ## Application Process - **Contact the Program Director:** Investigators must discuss their project with the NSF Program Director before submission to confirm appropriateness for this program. - **Submission platforms:** Proposals must be submitted via [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov); FastLane submissions are not accepted. - **Proposal preparation:** Follow the [NSF PAPPG](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg) or the [NSF Grants.gov Application Guide](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=grantsgovguide). - **Project description:** Limited to 5 pages of text and up to 5 pages of figures. The proposal must clearly explain why the project is high risk and how it could lead to a larger, more developed research program if successful. - **Letters of intent and preliminary proposals:** Not required. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals are reviewed by at least three experts in the relevant field, but not by the full program panel, allowing for expedited review. - Standard NSF merit review criteria apply, including intellectual merit and broader impacts. - Standard NSF award conditions and reporting requirements apply. - Awards are intended for pilot projects, proof-of-concept, or proof-of-access studies. --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Solicitation and Details](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/hrrbaa-high-risk-research-biological-anthropology-archaeology/nsf19-570/solicitation) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg) - [Apply via Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/314126) - [Research.gov Submission Portal](https://www.research.gov) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |-----------------------|---------------------|-------------------------------------|-----------------| | Rebecca Ferrell | Program Director | [rferrell@nsf.gov](mailto:rferrell@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7850 | | John E. Yellen | Program Director | [jyellen@nsf.gov](mailto:jyellen@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8759 | | Cori J. Jacildone | Program Specialist | [cjacildo@nsf.gov](mailto:cjacildo@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8740 | | NSF Information Center| General Inquiries | [info@nsf.gov](mailto:info@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-5111 | For technical support with Research.gov: 1-800-673-6188, [rgov@nsf.gov](mailto:rgov@nsf.gov) For Grants.gov support: 1-800-518-4726, [support@grants.gov](mailto:support@grants.gov)

High-Risk Research in Biological Anthropology and Archaeology

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