Office of Polar Programs Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
This program provides funding for early-career scientists to conduct innovative research in polar science while promoting diversity and collaboration within the field.
The National Science Foundation's Office of Polar Programs (OPP) Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (PRF) support early-career scientists in advancing polar research, fostering interdisciplinary approaches, and expanding access to polar resources. The program encourages participation from underrepresented groups in STEM and aims to develop future leaders in polar science. Fellows will affiliate with U.S.-based host institutions to conduct research aligned with OPP's objectives while engaging in professional development activities such as mentoring and outreach. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents, hold a doctoral degree by the fellowship start date, and have no more than 24 months of full-time postdoctoral experience. Proposals are submitted individually but, if funded, awards are issued to the host institution where the Fellow serves as the principal investigator. Host organizations may include U.S. higher education institutions, non-profits, and certain for-profit research organizations. The fellowship offers up to $3 million in total funding, with no cost-sharing requirement. Proposals must include a research plan suitable for OPP programs and, if proposing work at a current institution, justify the professional development benefits. Applications must adhere to eligibility criteria and submission guidelines; non-compliant submissions may be rejected without review. The current application deadline is February 3, 2025. Proposals will be evaluated on intellectual merit and potential to broaden STEM participation. Additional information is available in NSF Publication 22-635 or through NSF Grants.gov support.
Award Range
Not specified - Not specified
Total Program Funding
$3,000,000
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
No
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Proposals may only be submitted by the following: - Fellowship proposals must be submitted directly by the Fellowship candidate to NSF. Each Fellowship candidate must identify a scientific mentor(s) and must affiliate with a U.S. host organization. Appropriate primary host organizations include: Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) Two-and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the U.S., acting on behalf of their faculty members. Non-profit, Non-academic organizations -Independentmuseums, observatories,research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities. For-profit research organizations U.S. commercial organizations, especially small businesses with strong capabilities in scientific or engineering research or education. Who May Serve as PI: To be eligible to submit a proposal to the OPP-PRF Program, an individual must, as of the full proposal target date, meet all of the following criteria: Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident (i.e., have a "green card") at the time the proposal is submitted. Have earned the doctoral degree, or expect to have earned the doctoral degree, prior to the required start date of the fellowship. Not have worked for more than a total of 24 full-time-equivalent months in positions that require the doctoral degree. Provide a project plan that is appropriate for one of OPPs research programs. Prospective fellows are encouraged to implement the PRF at an institution new to the candidate, since the objectives of the fellowships include broadening the perspectives and experiences of the Fellows and promoting interdisciplinary research careers. However, NSF recognizes that moving to a new location for a two-year position may not be an option for all candidates, and therefore, proposals to remain at a candidates current institution are allowed. If a candidate proposes to be hosted by their graduate/current institution, they must clearly explain the benefits of this choice to their research and to their professional development goals. Proposals that fail to meet the above eligibility requirements may be returned without review. By signing and submitting the proposal, the fellowship candidate is certifying that they meet the eligibility criteria specified in this program solicitation. Willful provision of false information in this request and its supporting documents or in reports required under an ensuing award is a criminal offense (U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 1001).
Geographic Eligibility
All
Application Opens
Not specified
Application Closes
February 3, 2025
Grantor
National Science Foundation (National Science Foundation)
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