Antarctic Research Not Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) Field Support

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Office of Polar Programs (OPP), is offering funding under the program titled “Antarctic Research Not Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) Field Support.” This program, administered by the Antarctic Sciences Section (ANT), supports cutting-edge scientific research aimed at advancing the understanding of the Antarctic region and its role in global systems. The program specifically invites proposals that do not require logistical support from the USAP, making it ideal for projects based on existing data, modeling, theoretical work, or remote analogs. The core purpose of this solicitation is to support research that improves comprehension of biological, geochemical, and physical processes in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean and their global impacts. It promotes investigations that utilize the Antarctic as a scientific platform and that expand knowledge of regional systems and organisms. Emphasis is placed on multidisciplinary approaches, the use of existing data and samples, development of new instruments, and remote or lab-based analog research. Projects aligned with broader goals like understanding climate impacts, biological adaptation, and cosmic microwave background phenomena are especially encouraged. Eligibility is open to accredited U.S.-based institutions of higher education, non-profit research organizations such as museums and laboratories, and federally recognized tribal nations. Individual investigators may serve as principal investigators (PIs) without any restriction. There are no limits on the number of proposals an institution or PI can submit. However, all research must clearly state that it does not require USAP logistical support and must include a Safe and Harassment Free Fieldwork (SAHF) plan if any off-campus or off-site work is proposed. Proposals must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov and must comply with the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG). The target submission dates are June 2, 2025; January 15, 2026; and annually on June 1 and January 15 thereafter. While proposals are accepted at any time, submission by target dates is encouraged for synchronized review processing. Full proposals must include a data management plan, results from prior NSF support, and detailed project management strategies. Each application is reviewed based on NSF’s merit review criteria, focusing on intellectual merit and broader impacts. For proposals involving instrument development or off-campus research, additional criteria such as safety plans and milestones are evaluated. Proposals can be standard or continuing grants, and approximately $60 million is allocated annually to fund about 50 projects across the Antarctic program. This funding pool includes both field and non-field-based research. Applicants are encouraged to contact program officers early in the planning process to ensure alignment with the solicitation’s scope. Primary contacts include William G. Ambrose, Jr., Kelly M. Brunt, Marion I. Dierickx, Rebecca Gast, Vladimir O. Papitashvili, David F. Porter, and Elizabeth L. Rom, each responsible for different scientific domains within Antarctic research. Proposals must articulate a clear plan for project execution and include relevant resources and infrastructure for success.