Archaeology Program Senior Research Awards

The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Archaeology Program Senior Research Awards (Arch-SR) are administered by the Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences, within the Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences. The NSF is a federal agency dedicated to supporting fundamental research and education in all fields of science and engineering. The Archaeology Program is part of a broader effort to understand human cultural and biological variation through archaeological inquiry. It funds projects that advance anthropological knowledge by investigating past human behavior without prioritizing specific regions, time periods, or theoretical approaches. This program invites proposals from Ph.D.-level researchers to conduct anthropologically relevant archaeological research, often involving fieldwork or analytical studies of archaeological materials. It encourages innovative and interdisciplinary methodologies, including collaborations with other NSF programs. Projects must demonstrate intellectual merit and broader societal impacts, such as increasing public scientific literacy or engaging underrepresented groups in science. Broader impact activities, data management, and ethical considerations must be thoughtfully integrated into proposals. Funding is available through standard or continuing grants, with a typical budget of $200,000 to $350,000 and durations of two to three years. The total anticipated program funding ranges from $5 million to $6 million annually, with an estimated 20 to 30 awards each year. No voluntary cost sharing is permitted, and indirect costs are not restricted. Researchers may also apply for additional funding opportunities such as REU supplements (up to $6,000 per student), CAREER grants, or support for high-risk or rapid-response research. Eligibility is limited to researchers affiliated with eligible institutions as defined in the NSF PAPPG. PIs must hold a Ph.D. or have equivalent experience and be capable of conducting independent research. Undergraduate and graduate students may participate in projects but cannot serve as PIs or co-PIs. There is no limit on the number of proposals per organization or per PI/co-PI. Submissions must follow NSF’s standard proposal requirements through Research.gov or Grants.gov, and include a comprehensive project description, data management and sharing plan, and documentation of required permits and collaborations. Full proposals are accepted biannually, with target dates of July 1 and December 1 each year. Proposals undergo a merit review process based on intellectual merit and broader impacts, conducted by external experts and NSF program officers. Reviewers assess research design, qualifications, originality, and societal contributions. Applicants receive feedback on their proposals, including anonymous reviewer comments. Program contacts include John E. Yellen (jyellen@nsf.gov, 703-292-8759) and Don Rimon (drimon@nsf.gov, 703-292-2960). For technical questions regarding proposal submission, applicants may contact the NSF Help Desk or Grants.gov Contact Center. The NSF website offers additional resources, including updates on submission procedures and detailed guidelines on broader impacts and ethical practices.