Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Grants

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 to promote the progress of science and advance the health, prosperity, and welfare of the nation by supporting research and education across the sciences and engineering. Within NSF, the Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST) serves as the primary federal source of support for ground-based astronomy in the United States. AST funds a wide array of facilities and research initiatives, from national observatories and cutting-edge telescope projects to the work of individual scientists and students. Its support includes maintaining major centers such as the National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory, the National Solar Observatory, the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, and partnerships in international collaborations like the Gemini Observatory and ALMA. The Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Grants (AAG) Program is NSF’s central mechanism to advance research in astronomy and astrophysics. It provides funding for individual investigators and collaborative teams working on observational, theoretical, laboratory, and archival studies. The program also supports the development of tools and projects that enable or enhance astronomical research, including those that cross disciplinary boundaries or utilize multiple techniques. Proposals are expected to demonstrate clear astronomical context; those that fail to do so are returned without review. Projects making heavy use of NASA data must explain their relevance to NSF goals, and joint considerations with NASA may occur under an existing memorandum of understanding. Applications to the AAG program are evaluated along four broad disciplinary lines: Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology, Galactic Astronomy, Planetary and Exoplanetary Astronomy, and Stellar Astronomy and Astrophysics. Proposals spanning multiple categories are welcome. Special tracks are available, such as Research in Undergraduate Institutions and Computational and Data Enabled Science and Engineering. Additionally, supplemental funding can support undergraduate and high school research experiences, research opportunities for teachers, and other educational efforts. The program also entertains proposals for conferences and workshops when equivalent outcomes cannot be achieved through professional society meetings. The review process follows NSF’s merit review principles and criteria, emphasizing both intellectual merit and broader impacts. Proposals are assessed for their ability to advance knowledge, foster innovation, and deliver societal benefits such as workforce development, increased diversity in STEM, improved education, and strengthened scientific infrastructure. Applications undergo rigorous review by experts in the field, with feedback provided to proposers after decisions are finalized. Awardees must comply with standard NSF award conditions and reporting requirements, including annual progress reports and final project summaries submitted through Research.gov. The program anticipates awarding approximately $50 million, supporting about 100 projects depending on available funds. Awards are issued as standard or continuing grants. While voluntary cost sharing is prohibited, recipients must comply with budgetary and reporting requirements set forth by NSF. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based research organizations as defined in NSF’s Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide, with no limits on the number of submissions per investigator or organization. Individuals unaffiliated with institutions are not eligible. The program accepts proposals annually during a recurring submission window from October 1 to November 15, with deadlines enforced at 5 p.m. local time of the submitter. Submissions are accepted via Research.gov or Grants.gov, following the most current NSF proposal preparation guidelines. Notification of awards generally occurs within six months of the closing date. For inquiries, multiple program officers are available across each research area, with Hans A. Krimm serving as the lead program contact. This structured process ensures equitable review, effective stewardship of federal resources, and the advancement of U.S. leadership in astronomy and astrophysics research.

Reviewers evaluate based on Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. Ensure all proposals demonstrate clear relevance to astronomy and comply with NSF proposal structure.