Antarctic Research Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program Support for Fieldwork

The Antarctic Research Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) Support for Fieldwork grant, under the solicitation NSF 25-525, is managed by the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) within the Directorate for Geosciences at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This program invites research proposals that necessitate USAP logistical support for conducting fieldwork in Antarctica. Projects not requiring USAP field support should refer to alternative Antarctic Science funding opportunities. The NSF aims to facilitate advanced scientific research in the Antarctic that improves the understanding of environmental, biological, and physical processes in this unique region and its global connections. The program seeks to fund proposals that significantly contribute to our understanding of Antarctica and its role in Earth’s system. Research themes of interest include Antarctic ice sheet dynamics, biological adaptations in extreme environments, and astrophysical studies leveraging Antarctica's unique observational advantages. The grant also supports infrastructure developments like cyberinfrastructure for data transmission, management, and analysis, as well as projects enhancing polar instrumentation. The NSF emphasizes environmental stewardship and inclusivity, requiring projects to address these aspects comprehensively. Eligible applicants include accredited U.S.-based institutions of higher education (including community colleges), U.S.-based non-profit, non-academic organizations affiliated with educational or research activities, and federally recognized Tribal Nations. Applicants must first submit a Concept Outline through the ProSPCT system by January 31, 2025 (and January 15 annually thereafter) to assess the logistical feasibility of their project. Following positive feedback from NSF, applicants may submit a full proposal via Research.gov or Grants.gov by June 2, 2025 (and June 1 annually thereafter). Applications must include a range of supplementary documents such as a Logistics Requirements and Field Plan, a Safe and Inclusive Fieldwork (SAIF) Plan, a Data Management and Sharing Plan, and results from prior NSF support if applicable. The Logistics Plan must directly respond to feedback from the Concept Outline and outline all operational details including locations, team logistics, field activities, and environmental considerations. Applicants are also required to justify why the proposed research must be conducted in Antarctica. Evaluation of proposals will be based on NSF’s core criteria of intellectual merit and broader impacts, with additional criteria including the necessity of Antarctic fieldwork, operational feasibility, and quality of instrumentation plans. A compelling SAIF Plan is also critical to ensure inclusive and harassment-free environments for fieldwork participants. NSF encourages demographically diverse institutions and underrepresented communities to participate and promotes collaborative and educational outreach components. For questions and guidance, multiple program directors across Antarctic research specialties are listed with direct contact information. Awards are anticipated to be announced after a review period, with up to $60 million allocated annually for approximately 50 awards. The program reopens annually with the same deadlines and requires that awardees comply with environmental and safety regulations, as well as data sharing policies through platforms like the USAP Data Center.