The Antarctic Research Not Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) Field Support, offered by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) through the Antarctic Sciences Section (ANT) of the Office of Polar Programs (OPP), funds cutting-edge research that advances understanding of the Antarctic region and its connections to global Earth systems.

Overview

This solicitation supports research that improves understanding of interactions among the Antarctic region and global systems, the dynamic linkages among processes operating in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean, and the biological, geochemical, and physical processes that drive and respond to environmental change. The programme also supports research that expands fundamental knowledge of Antarctic systems, biota, and processes; utilizes the unique characteristics of the Antarctic region as a science observing platform; and builds capacity and enhances the U.S. workforce for polar-related science.

ANT encourages and supports research that combines disciplinary perspectives and approaches from other fields, research that uses existing data and samples, and other research not requiring a physical presence in Antarctica. This may include projects conducted at locations outside Antarctica that serve as analogues of Antarctic sites or systems.

This solicitation does not support projects that would need logistical support from the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP). Proposers requiring USAP logistical support should consult the Antarctic Sciences web page for current opportunities. Proposers of projects with logistics needs that would be wholly provided by another Antarctic programme or organization should contact an ANT Program Officer for guidance.

Research Areas

• Improving understanding of interactions among the Antarctic region and global systems
• Understanding dynamic linkages among processes operating in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean and their connections to global Earth systems
• Advancing fundamental understanding of Earth systems and biological, geochemical, and physical processes in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean
• Expanding fundamental knowledge of Antarctic systems, biota, and processes
• Utilizing the unique characteristics of the Antarctic region as a science observing platform
• Building capacity and enhancing the U.S. workforce for polar-related science

Eligibility

Proposals may only be submitted by the following:

• Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the U.S., acting on behalf of their faculty members. If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a U.S. institution of higher education (including through use of sub-awards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus.
• Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities.
• Tribal Nations: An American Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges as a federally recognized tribe pursuant to the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994, 25 U.S.C. §§ 5130-5131.

Funding and Award Information

• Program Funding: $60,000,000
• Funding Instrument: Grant
• Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No
• Funding Opportunity Number: 25-526
• Assistance Listing: 47.050 -- Geosciences
• Category of Funding Activity: Science technology and other research and development
• Opportunity Category: Discretionary

Deadline

Closing: June 1, 2026

Contact Information

For questions or problems linking to this funding announcement, contact:
NSF grants.gov support: grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov

Additional information is available at: NSF Publication 25-526 (http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf25526)