The Arctic Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (Arctic DDRIG) support dissertation-level research about and related to the Arctic region. Offered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the Arctic Sciences Section, Office of Polar Programs (OPP), these grants are available to investigators at U.S. organizations. The programs currently accepting proposals are the Arctic Social Sciences (ASSP), Arctic System Science (ARCSS), and Arctic Observing Network (AON) Programs. The goal is to advance a fundamental, process, and systems-level understanding of the Arctic’s rapidly changing natural environment and social and cultural systems, and to improve capacity to project future change. The scientific scope aligns with the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee’s five-year Arctic research plan. This solicitation also aims to build research capacity in Arctic sciences and promote workforce development in STEM fields.
The Arctic DDRIG is designed to support early-career scientists through dissertation-level research focused on the Arctic region and its connectivity with lower latitudes. The Arctic Sciences Section coordinates with other NSF programs and federal and international partners to co-review and co-fund proposals as appropriate. The Section also maintains Arctic logistical infrastructure and field support capabilities that are available to enable research.
Eligible Applicants: Other (Institutions of Higher Education)
Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) – including two- and four-year institutions and community colleges – that are accredited and have a campus located in the United States, acting on behalf of their faculty members. International branch campuses of U.S. IHEs may submit if the proposer explains the benefit to the project and justifies why the activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus.
Who May Serve as PI: The proposal must be submitted through regular organizational channels by the dissertation advisor on behalf of the graduate student. The advisor serves as Principal Investigator (PI); the student serves as Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI). The student must be the primary author of the proposal with mentorship from the advisor. The student must be enrolled at a U.S. institution of higher education.
Proposals are accepted under three programs: Arctic Social Sciences (ASSP), Arctic System Science (ARCSS), and Arctic Observing Network (AON). Research should advance understanding of the Arctic’s natural environment and social and cultural systems. The scientific scope is aligned with, but not limited to, challenges outlined in the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee’s five-year Arctic research plan.
Applications are submitted through regular organizational channels via Grants.gov. The dissertation advisor (PI) submits the proposal on behalf of the graduate student (Co-PI). The student must be the primary author. For technical support, contact grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov. Additional program information is available at NSF Publication 20-597.
For questions or problems linking to the funding announcement, contact:
Email: grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
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Submission Deadline
Jun 15, 2026
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