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

Proposals accepted anytime

Up to $55,000,000 total program funding annually; individual awards typically range from 1–5 years in duration.

Supports research expanding knowledge of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, their global connections, and the use of Antarctica as a scientific platform.

--- ## Description The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) supports scientific research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean through the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP). The Office of Polar Programs' Antarctic Sciences Section (ANT) funds projects that: - Expand fundamental knowledge of the Antarctic region, - Improve understanding of the interactions between Antarctica and global Earth systems, - Utilize the unique characteristics of Antarctica as an observing platform. Research can involve fieldwork in Antarctica or use existing samples, data, and models. Proposals that cross disciplinary boundaries or combine multiple approaches are encouraged. The program also strongly supports participation from underrepresented groups and new Antarctic investigators, as well as international collaborations. Key research areas include, but are not limited to: - Antarctic Astrophysics & Geospace Sciences - Antarctic Earth Sciences - Antarctic Glaciology - Antarctic Integrated System Science - Antarctic Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences - Antarctic Organisms & Ecosystems - Antarctic Instrumentation and Research Facilities Projects may also focus on data rescue and re-use, instrumentation development, or research coordination networks. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals accepted anytime (no deadline). - For research requiring USAP logistical support, submit with sufficient lead time for peer review and planning. --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: up to $55,000,000 annually. - Approximately 50 new standard or continuing research grants awarded each year. - Award duration: typically 1–5 years. - No cost sharing or matching required. --- ## Eligibility Proposals may be submitted by: - U.S.-based institutions of higher education (2- and 4-year, including community colleges), accredited and with a U.S. campus, acting on behalf of their faculty. - U.S.-based non-profit, non-academic organizations directly associated with educational or research activities (e.g., independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies). - International branch campuses of U.S. institutions may participate if justified. There are no restrictions on the number of proposals per organization or per investigator. --- ## Application Process - Proposals may be submitted via [NSF FastLane](https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359490). - Letters of intent and preliminary proposals are not required. - All proposals must follow the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide ([PAPPG](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg)). - Proposals involving Antarctic fieldwork must include a detailed Logistics Requirement and Field Plan as a supplementary document. - All proposals require a Data Management Plan describing data sharing and archiving. - Projects involving fieldwork must address environmental stewardship, including compliance with the Antarctic Conservation Act and necessary permits. --- ## Additional Information - Research requiring USAP logistical support should be planned well in advance due to the complexity of Antarctic operations. - Proposals not requiring Antarctic fieldwork are encouraged, especially those leveraging existing data or samples. - Projects are evaluated on intellectual merit and broader impacts, including justification for Antarctic fieldwork and operational feasibility. - Special award conditions apply for projects with fieldwork, including compliance with the USAP Code of Conduct and environmental regulations. --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Page](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/antarctic-research/5519) - [NSF Publication 18-530 (Solicitation)](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf18530) - [Grants.gov Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359490) - [US Antarctic Program Information](https://www.usap.gov/) - [OPP Data Management Policy](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf16055) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Phone | Email | |--------------------------------------------|-----------------|----------------------------------------| | Jennifer Burns, Antarctic Integrated System Science | (703) 292-2120 | [jmmburns@nsf.gov](mailto:jmmburns@nsf.gov) | | Jessie L. Crain, Antarctic Research Support Manager | (703) 292-7457 | [jlcrain@nsf.gov](mailto:jlcrain@nsf.gov) | | Paul M. Cutler, Antarctic Glaciology | (703) 292-4961 | [pcutler@nsf.gov](mailto:pcutler@nsf.gov) | | Christian H. Fritsen, Antarctic Organisms & Ecosystems | (703) 292-7437 | [cfritsen@nsf.gov](mailto:cfritsen@nsf.gov) | | Alexandra R. Isern, Antarctic Research & Logistics | (703) 292-7581 | [aisern@nsf.gov](mailto:aisern@nsf.gov) | | Michael E. Jackson, Research Facilities & Special Projects | (703) 292-7120 | [mejackso@nsf.gov](mailto:mejackso@nsf.gov) | | Doug E. Kowalewski, Antarctic Earth Sciences | (703) 292-7706 | [dkowalew@nsf.gov](mailto:dkowalew@nsf.gov) | | Timothy M. McGovern, Oceans Project Manager | (703) 292-4248 | [tmcgover@nsf.gov](mailto:tmcgover@nsf.gov) | | Peter Milne, Antarctic Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences | (703) 292-4714 | [pmilne@nsf.gov](mailto:pmilne@nsf.gov) | | Vladimir Papitashvili, Antarctic Astrophysics & Geospace Sciences | (703) 292-7425 | [vpapita@nsf.gov](mailto:vpapita@nsf.gov) | | Elizabeth L. Rom, Education & Outreach | (703) 292-7709 | [elrom@nsf.gov](mailto:elrom@nsf.gov) | | Grants.gov Support | 1-800-518-4726 | [support@grants.gov](mailto:support@grants.gov) | | NSF Information Center | (703) 292-5111 | | ---

Antarctic Research

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