Antarctic Research Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) Support for Fieldwork | 25 525

Opportunity Information: Apply for 25 525

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through the Antarctic Sciences Section (ANT) in the Office of Polar Programs (OPP), is offering a discretionary grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number 25-525; CFDA 47.050) to support high-impact Antarctic research that specifically requires logistical support from the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) to carry out fieldwork. The central purpose is to fund cutting-edge projects that deepen understanding of how the Antarctic region and the Southern Ocean interact with, influence, and respond to global Earth systems. This includes work that clarifies dynamic linkages among physical, biological, and geochemical processes in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, and how those linkages connect to broader global systems in ways that can inform decisions about environmental change. The opportunity also emphasizes using Antarctica as a unique natural observing platform, expanding fundamental knowledge of Antarctic environments and biota, and strengthening the U.S. polar science workforce by building capacity and enhancing diversity.

A key feature of this solicitation is that it is intended only for projects that must be done in Antarctica, or are clearly best performed there, and that truly need USAP logistics to succeed. Projects that do not require USAP logistical support are directed to look for other, more appropriate Antarctic Sciences opportunities listed on the Antarctic Sciences web page rather than applying under this specific call. Another important practical constraint is that NSF and USAP are in the middle of a planned, multi-year effort to maintain and upgrade Antarctic infrastructure, which limits the amount and type of logistical support available for new projects. Because of these limitations, applicants are expected to follow the solicitation's program description closely and request only the USAP logistical resources that are explicitly available under this competition; requests for other USAP resources outside that guidance are not allowed.

Eligibility is limited to specific U.S.-based applicant types. Proposals may be submitted by U.S. non-profit, non-academic organizations such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies that are directly tied to education or research activities. Accredited U.S. institutions of higher education are also eligible, including both two-year and four-year colleges (including community colleges), as long as they have a campus located in the United States and are submitting on behalf of their faculty. Federally recognized Tribal Nations are eligible as well, defined as American Indian or Alaska Native tribes, bands, nations, pueblos, villages, or communities acknowledged under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994. For proposals that involve an international branch campus of a U.S. institution of higher education, NSF adds an extra requirement: the proposer must explain the concrete benefit of performing work at the international branch campus and justify why the same activities cannot be carried out at the U.S. campus, including when international participation is supported through subawards or consultant arrangements.

Administrative details provided in the source information indicate the funding instrument is a grant, the activity category is science and technology and other research and development, and the opportunity is managed by NSF. The original closing date listed is 2025-06-02. Award ceiling and expected award count are not specified in the provided data, so applicants would need to consult the full solicitation for any limits, typical award sizes, project duration norms, and the specific menu of allowable USAP logistical support during the maintenance and upgrade period.

• The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Antarctic Research Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) Support for Fieldwork" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.050.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-12-22.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-06-02. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for 25 525

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