The Antarctic Research Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) Support for Fieldwork opportunity, offered by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), supports cutting-edge research that requires logistical support from the U.S. Antarctic Program. The programme funds investigations that improve understanding of interactions between the Antarctic region and global systems, advance fundamental knowledge of Earth systems and processes in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean, and build capacity in the U.S. polar workforce. Antarctic fieldwork is supported only for research that must be performed, or is best performed, in Antarctica.

Research Areas and Activities

Proposed research should address one or more of the following objectives:

• Improve understanding of interactions between the Antarctic region and global systems.
• Improve understanding of the dynamic linkages among processes operating in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean and their connections to global Earth systems, informing decision-making regarding environmental change.
• Advance fundamental understanding of Earth systems and the biological, geochemical, and physical processes in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean as drivers and responders to global-scale changes.
• Expand fundamental knowledge of Antarctic systems, biota, and processes.
• Utilise the unique characteristics of the Antarctic region as a science observing platform.
• Build capacity and enhance the U.S. workforce for polar-related science.

Proposers who do not require USAP logistical support should consult the Antarctic Sciences web page for current opportunities. Researchers are advised that NSF is undertaking a planned multiyear programme of essential maintenance and upgrade projects, which necessarily places limitations on the logistical support currently available. Proposers must comply with the guidance in the Programme Description regarding available USAP logistical support; no other USAP resources may be requested.

Funding and Benefits

• Program Funding: $60,000,000 total
• Funding Instrument Type: Grant
• Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No
• Assistance Listing: 47.050 — Geosciences

The opportunity is discretionary. Award minimums and maximums are not specified for individual projects.

Eligibility

Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following organisations located in the United States:

• Non-profit, non-academic organisations: independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar organisations directly associated with educational or research activities.
• 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. International branch campuses of U.S. IHEs may receive funding only if the proposal explains the benefit of performance at that campus and justifies why activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus.
• Tribal Nations: American Indian or Alaska Native tribes, bands, nations, pueblos, villages, or communities federally recognised under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994.

Application Process

Prior to submitting a full proposal, investigators must first submit a Concept Outline. Concept outlines are due annually by January 31, 2025 and January 15 annually thereafter. The full proposal closing date is June 1, 2026.

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov. For technical problems linking to the funding announcement, contact grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.

Additional information is available in NSF Publication 25-525 at the link provided below.

Deadline and Timeline

• Concept Outline Deadline: January 31, 2025 (first deadline); January 15 annually thereafter
• Full Proposal Closing: June 1, 2026
• Posted Date: December 22, 2024
• Archive Date: July 1, 2028

Contact Information

• Grantor Contact: NSF Grants.gov Support – grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
• Additional Information Link: NSF Publication 25-525