Antarctic Research Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) Support for Fieldwork

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Office of Polar Programs' Antarctic Sciences Section (ANT), has announced the funding opportunity titled "Antarctic Research Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) Support for Fieldwork." This initiative supports advanced research that must be conducted in Antarctica and requires logistical backing from the USAP. The aim is to enhance understanding of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean systems and their interactions with global processes. This program also contributes to building capacity and enhancing the U.S. workforce in polar sciences. The ANT program encourages participation from underrepresented groups and values projects that incorporate innovative education and outreach strategies. The program specifically seeks proposals that require support for fieldwork starting no sooner than the 2026–2027 Antarctic research season. Research activities may be supported at NSF's McMurdo Station, Palmer Station, and on the NSF research vessel, the Nathaniel B. Palmer. Projects at the South Pole Station are limited to renewals or non-deployment-based activities due to logistical constraints. All projects must demonstrate that the research is best or only feasibly conducted in Antarctica. Investigators must first submit a Concept Outline via the Program Suitability and Proposal Concept Tool (ProSPCT) by January 31, 2025, before submitting full proposals by the June 2, 2025 deadline. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based institutions of higher education, non-profit non-academic research institutions, and federally recognized Tribal Nations. The program does not impose limits on the number of proposals submitted per institution or principal investigator. Collaborative proposals must be submitted via Research.gov. Applicants must include supplementary documents such as a Logistics Requirements and Field Plan and a Safe and Inclusive Fieldwork (SAIF) Plan. Full proposals must adhere to the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) requirements. Awards are expected to be standard or continuing grants, with an anticipated funding amount of up to $60 million annually across Antarctic Sciences programs, supporting up to 50 awards. There is no cost-sharing requirement, and indirect costs are not limited. The program emphasizes the importance of proper planning for logistics, environmental stewardship, and safety in the unique Antarctic environment. Review criteria include both intellectual merit and broader impacts, as well as additional solicitation-specific criteria such as justification for Antarctic fieldwork, operational feasibility, and quality of the SAIF and project management plans. Applicants are expected to demonstrate the qualifications and readiness of their field team and must follow all USAP requirements, including medical clearances, environmental permits, and insurance considerations. Contact information for the program includes a team of program directors overseeing various aspects of Antarctic research. For example, inquiries can be directed to William G. Ambrose, Jr. (wambrose@nsf.gov) for Antarctic Organisms and Ecosystems, or David F. Porter (dporter@nsf.gov) for Antarctic Oceans and Atmosphere. Comprehensive information and updates are available on the NSF and USAP websites.

Contact a program officer during concept development; align proposals with logistical constraints and environmental guidelines; use data/sample repositories when applicable.