Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Grants

The Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Grants (AAG) Program is a key funding initiative of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Division of Astronomical Sciences within the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences. The division is the primary federal source for supporting ground-based astronomy in the United States and oversees national centers such as NOIRLab, NSO, DKIST, NRAO, GBO, and AO, in addition to providing U.S. support for international facilities like Gemini Observatory and ALMA. It is involved in the development of observational infrastructure, mid-scale projects, and STEM outreach efforts. The AAG Program is designed to support a diverse range of research projects across astronomy and astrophysics. Funding is provided for observational, theoretical, laboratory, and archival data research. The program also welcomes proposals aimed at developing tools and methods that enhance astronomical research. Interdisciplinary proposals that integrate multiple research techniques or bridge several scientific domains are encouraged, provided they maintain a strong astronomical context. This funding opportunity is open to institutions and organizations eligible under the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG), with no limits on the number of submissions per institution or principal investigator. However, unaffiliated individuals are not eligible to apply. Applications may be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov, and must follow respective guidelines outlined in the PAPPG or NSF Grants.gov Application Guide. Letters of intent and preliminary proposals are not required for this solicitation. Applications are accepted annually during the submission window from October 1 to November 15. All applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. in the applicant’s local time zone. Supplemental funding requests for activities such as Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), Research Opportunity Awards (ROA), and similar can be submitted as part of a new proposal or as an amendment to an existing award. AAG also accepts specific types of proposals such as those under the Computational and Data Enabled Science and Engineering (CDS&E) initiative and Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI), provided these proposals conform to both AAG and initiative-specific guidelines. Proposals are reviewed through NSF’s merit-based peer-review process, emphasizing two main criteria: intellectual merit and broader impacts. Reviewers consider factors such as the proposal's potential to advance knowledge, its societal impact, the quality of the proposed research plan, the qualifications of the team, and the availability of resources. NSF aims to notify applicants of funding decisions within six months of the submission deadline. For inquiries, applicants can contact any of the designated program officers listed, including Hans A. Krimm, the AAG Program Lead. A full list of contacts by specialty area (e.g., EXC, GAL, PLA, SAA) is provided in the solicitation. Applications must adhere to NSF's Build America, Buy America Act requirements and standard reporting protocols. Awards are typically standard or continuing grants, and around 100 projects are funded annually, subject to available funds.