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

Proposals accepted anytime

Approx. $55 million annually; standard or continuing grants; typical award size varies

Supports fundamental research on Antarctic systems, biota, processes, and their global interactions, including field and non-field-based studies.

Proposals involving Antarctic fieldwork must be submitted at least 18 months before desired deployment.

--- ## Description The Antarctic Sciences Section (ANT) of the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) at the National Science Foundation funds cutting-edge research to expand knowledge of Antarctic systems, biota, and processes; improve understanding of the region's interactions with global systems; and utilize Antarctica as a unique scientific observing platform. The program supports a broad spectrum of research, including fieldwork in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean (when fieldwork is essential), as well as research using existing samples, data, and models that does not require field deployment. Projects that cross disciplinary boundaries and leverage innovative approaches are encouraged. The U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) provides logistical support for approved fieldwork. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals accepted anytime - Proposals requiring Antarctic fieldwork must be submitted at least 18 months before the planned field season --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: ~$55 million annually (subject to availability of funds) - Typical award size and duration vary; both standard and continuing grants are made --- ## Eligibility - **Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs):** - Accredited two- and four-year U.S. institutions (including community colleges), acting on behalf of their faculty. - Proposals involving international branch campuses of U.S. IHEs must justify why activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus. - **Non-profit, Non-academic Organizations:** - U.S.-based independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar organizations associated with educational or research activities. - No restrictions on who may serve as PI or on the number of proposals per organization or PI. --- ## Application Process - Proposals may be submitted via [NSF FastLane](https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/), [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov/), or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/). - Follow the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg) and program-specific instructions. - **Fieldwork proposals:** Must include a "Logistics Requirement and Field Plan" as a supplementary document and follow additional requirements outlined [here](https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/ant/ant_research_solit.jsp). - **Non-fieldwork proposals:** Clearly state in the project summary that no Antarctic fieldwork is required. --- ## Additional Information - **Data Management:** All proposals must include a Data Management Plan compliant with the [OPP Data Management Policy](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf16055). - **Merit Review:** Proposals are evaluated on intellectual merit and broader impacts, with additional criteria for fieldwork justification and operational feasibility. - **Education & Outreach:** Proposals are encouraged to engage underrepresented groups and support student participation. - **Reporting:** Annual and final project reports are required; compliance with data sharing and project registration is mandatory for awardees. --- ## External Links - [NSF Antarctic Research Program Page](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/antarctic-research/5519) - [NSF Publication 19-595 (Full Solicitation)](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf19595) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359474) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) Information](https://www.usap.gov/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |-----------|-------|-------| | Jennifer Burns, Program Director (Organisms & Ecosystems) | jmmburns@nsf.gov | (703) 292-2120 | | Paul M. Cutler, Program Director (Glaciology, Ice Core Science) | pcutler@nsf.gov | (703) 292-4961 | | Karla Heidelberg, Program Director (Antarctic Organisms & Ecosystems) | kheidelb@nsf.gov | (703) 292-2586 | | Michael E. Jackson, Program Director (Earth Science, Geodesy) | mejackso@nsf.gov | (703) 292-7120 | | Peter Milne, Program Director (Physical Oceanography, Meteorology) | pmilne@nsf.gov | (703) 292-4714 | | Robert Moore, Program Director (Aeronomy & Astrophysics) | rmoore@nsf.gov | (703) 292-7990 | | Vladimir Papitashvili, Program Director (Astrophysics & Geospace) | vpapita@nsf.gov | (703) 292-7425 | | Elizabeth L. Rom, Program Director (Polar Education) | elrom@nsf.gov | (703) 292-7709 | | Jessie L. Crain, Antarctic Research Support Manager | jlcrain@nsf.gov | (703) 292-7457 | | Timothy M. McGovern, Oceans Project Manager | tmcgover@nsf.gov | (703) 292-4248 | | NSF Grants.gov Support | grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov | 1-800-518-4726 | For technical support with FastLane or Research.gov: 1-800-673-6188 or fastlane@nsf.gov / rgov@nsf.gov ---

Antarctic Research

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