Archaeology Program - Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants

The Archaeology Program – Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (Arch-DDRIG), managed by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through its Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, supports doctoral-level research in anthropologically significant archaeological studies. NSF is an independent federal agency that funds approximately one-fourth of all federally supported basic research conducted by America’s colleges and universities. The Arch-DDRIG program aims to enable high-quality dissertation research by providing financial support for costs that are typically not covered by academic institutions, facilitating fieldwork, analysis of archaeological materials, and the development of analytical techniques with archaeological value. This program is rooted in the NSF's broader mission of promoting the progress of science and fostering innovation in research and education. It emphasizes that all supported projects must be anthropologically relevant, although it places no priority on geographic regions, time periods, or theoretical orientations. Proposals are evaluated on their potential to contribute to anthropological knowledge. While the program does not restrict research categories, it commonly funds either field research or analytical projects involving archaeological materials. Methodological proposals that develop novel research tools are also eligible. Applicants must be doctoral candidates enrolled at U.S. institutions, and proposals must be submitted by their faculty advisors acting as Principal Investigators (PIs). The student is listed as the Co-PI and must be the sole author of the proposal. While the student must be enrolled at a U.S. institution, U.S. citizenship is not required. Proposals can be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov and are accepted at any time, with no specific deadline. Applicants may request up to $25,000 in direct costs, and the award includes indirect costs based on the institution's federally negotiated rate. These grants do not cover stipends, tuition, textbooks, or post-research writing and thesis production. Proposals must follow NSF’s Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) and include a data management plan, a clearly labeled intellectual merit and broader impacts section, and a statement from the PI affirming student preparedness and proposal authorship. The broader impacts section must articulate societal benefits such as engaging the public, supporting underrepresented groups in STEM, or enhancing research infrastructure. While no letters of recommendation are allowed, letters of collaboration may be included to confirm external partnerships or access to resources. The evaluation of proposals is based on NSF’s merit review criteria, emphasizing both intellectual merit and broader societal impacts. Each submission undergoes a rigorous review by subject matter experts, with final decisions made by NSF’s Program Officers and senior staff. Notifications are typically issued within six months of submission. Though no formal application deadline exists, applicants should plan for a review and award process that may take up to six months. Awards are contingent on availability of funds and typically total around $800,000 annually, with 30 to 40 grants awarded each fiscal year. There is no restriction on the number of submissions by a PI, student, or institution. The program is ongoing and proposals are accepted year-round. The grant opportunity is not recurring in the traditional sense but remains open continuously. Contact information includes Program Director John E. Yellen ([email protected], 703-292-8759) and Business Analyst Don Rimon ([email protected], 703-292-2960). While the program website offers updates and a list of past awards, proposal submitters are encouraged to review the full solicitation document and seek clarification from program officers when needed.

Broader Impacts must show real-world benefits; ensure theoretical contribution to anthropology; avoid descriptive-only proposals