Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Grants

The Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Grants (AAG) program, administered by the Division of Astronomical Sciences within the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), serves as a major funding mechanism for advancing the field of ground-based astronomy in the United States. The NSF is an independent federal agency established under the National Science Foundation Act of 1950. It is responsible for promoting scientific progress through competitive grants and cooperative agreements. The AAG program supports a diverse portfolio of research, encompassing observational, theoretical, laboratory, and archival data studies in astronomy and astrophysics. This inclusive and flexible funding opportunity also considers proposals that develop tools and projects enhancing astronomical research. The AAG program aligns with NSF’s overarching priorities of fostering cutting-edge scientific discovery, technology advancement, and inclusive participation in STEM. It encourages proposals that adhere to the highest standards of scientific integrity and Gold Standard Science. Applicants may include individual researchers or collaborative teams. The scope of funded projects can span multiple disciplines or research modalities, but all proposals must clearly demonstrate relevance to astronomy. Notably, projects that rely primarily on NASA data must justify the use of such data within the context of NSF’s objectives to be considered suitable for AAG funding. AAG proposals are evaluated along disciplinary lines and reviewed by experts in four major areas: Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology (EXC), Galactic Astronomy (GAL), Planetary, Exoplanetary and Solar Astronomy (PLA), and Stellar Astronomy and Astrophysics (SAA). Proposals crossing these boundaries are welcome. Review criteria include NSF’s standard merit review principles—intellectual merit and broader impacts. The selection process includes both ad hoc and panel reviews. The program supports a wide range of researchers, including junior faculty and students, and accommodates supplemental funding requests related to educational outreach, high school research, and teacher involvement. Eligible applicants include organizations defined under the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). There are no restrictions on the number of proposals per institution or individual. Proposals may be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov, and must comply with the PAPPG guidelines effective at the time of submission. No Letters of Intent or preliminary proposals are required. There is no cost sharing or indirect cost limitation. AAG does not accept Accomplishment-Based Renewal proposals. The current submission window is October 1 to November 15 annually, with proposals due by 5 p.m. local time of the submitting organization on the final day. Given that the opportunity recurs annually, the next anticipated submission cycle is expected to open in October 2026. Approximately 100 awards are expected annually, pending funding availability, with a total estimated program budget of $50 million for fiscal year 2023. Awards are offered as either standard or continuing grants. For questions, applicants may contact several NSF program officers depending on their research area, including Hans A. Krimm (Program Lead), Andreas A. Berlind, Jacqueline Keane, and others. Contact details such as phone numbers and email addresses for each officer are provided in the official program documentation. NSF's proposal review process, award notification procedures, and standard reporting requirements apply to all successful applicants.