Antarctic Research Not Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program Field Support

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Directorate for Geosciences and the Office of Polar Programs (OPP), funds the Antarctic Research Not Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) Field Support under program solicitation NSF 25-526. This program is designed for scientific investigations that do not necessitate the logistical support of the USAP and focuses on advancing research that utilizes remote sensing, modeling, laboratory analysis, or other non-field-based approaches. It is particularly suited to researchers who make use of existing data sets, physical samples, or analog environments that simulate Antarctic conditions. The primary objectives of the program are to improve the understanding of the Antarctic region and its connection to global systems, to expand scientific knowledge of the Antarctic's biotic and abiotic processes, and to use the region as a platform for Earth system science. Research supported through this solicitation may explore atmospheric, oceanic, cryospheric, and space-related phenomena, and may include astrophysical studies that leverage Antarctica’s unique observational capabilities. Additionally, the program promotes capacity building and diversity within the U.S. polar science workforce. Funding is available for standard and continuing grants with a total annual commitment of approximately $60 million across the full Antarctic program. Around 50 awards are anticipated annually. Proposals must adhere to the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) and can be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov. Specific supplementary documents required include a Safe and Inclusive Fieldwork (SAIF) Plan for any off-campus or off-site research activities, a data management plan, and results from prior NSF support. Letters of intent and preliminary proposals are not required. Eligibility is restricted to U.S.-based institutions of higher education, nonprofit non-academic organizations, and federally recognized Tribal Nations. Proposers must provide justification if using international campuses of U.S. institutions. There are no restrictions on the number of proposals per organization or individual. Matching funds are not required, and voluntary cost sharing is prohibited. Proposals are reviewed based on NSF's standard merit review criteria, which include intellectual merit and broader impacts. Additional review criteria are applied for proposals involving instrumentation development and SAIF plans. Notifications of awards are typically made within six months of the proposal deadline. Reporting requirements include annual and final project reports as well as documentation of broader impacts activities and data management. For inquiries, several NSF program officers are listed as contacts across specialized fields such as glaciology, astrophysics, ecosystems, and education. The deadline for the next round of proposals is June 2, 2025, with annual cycles continuing each June 1 and January 15 thereafter.