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

The Antarctic Research Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) Support for Fieldwork grant, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through its Office of Polar Programs, is a critical opportunity for scientific researchers seeking to conduct fieldwork that depends on the unique logistical infrastructure provided by the USAP. The solicitation, referenced as NSF 25-525, supports transformative and interdisciplinary research efforts that can only—or most effectively—be conducted in Antarctica. The NSF’s commitment to advancing polar science includes fostering deeper understanding of the Antarctic region’s influence on global systems, enhancing U.S. scientific capabilities, and supporting international collaborations. This funding opportunity provides support for proposals that require USAP resources at various facilities including the NSF McMurdo Station, NSF Palmer Station, the NSF R/V Icebreaker Nathaniel B. Palmer, and, with limitations, the NSF Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. Projects supported through this program are expected to start no earlier than the 2026–2027 austral field season. While the primary focus is on field-based research, the solicitation also encourages the use of existing datasets and infrastructure to maximize the scientific return of past investments. All proposers must submit a Concept Outline in advance of a full proposal to determine logistical feasibility and alignment with USAP capabilities. The scope of funded research includes, but is not limited to, understanding interactions between the Antarctic and global systems, investigating biogeochemical and physical processes in the Southern Ocean, studying the genomic adaptations of Antarctic organisms, and conducting astrophysical research using the unique Antarctic environment. Proposals may also include instrumentation development and field-testing, cyberinfrastructure integration, and data-sharing initiatives. However, logistical constraints such as limited aircraft support and station capacity require strict adherence to outlined availability and scheduling limitations. Eligibility for the program is limited to U.S.-based institutions of higher education, non-profit research organizations, and Tribal nations. There are no restrictions on the number of proposals per organization or individual. Proposals must be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov and must follow the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG). A Safe and Inclusive Fieldwork (SAIF) Plan is mandatory for any off-campus or off-site work. Additional requirements include detailed budgets, logistics and field plans, data management and sharing plans, and responses to NSF feedback from the Concept Outline stage. The program operates on an annual cycle. For the 2026–2027 cycle, Concept Outlines are due January 31, 2025, with full proposals due June 2, 2025. Recurring submission deadlines follow annually on January 15 and June 1, respectively. Proposals are reviewed based on NSF's merit review criteria, which include intellectual merit, broader impacts, and solicitation-specific criteria such as operational feasibility and justification for Antarctic fieldwork. Notification of awards is expected within six months following the submission deadline. The NSF anticipates making up to 50 awards annually with a total budget of approximately $60 million, subject to availability of funds.

Ensure Logistics Plan reflects NSF feedback; Develop SAIF Plan tailored to field settings; Follow NSF review criteria closely.