Arctic Research Opportunities | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NSF Arctic Research Opportunities (NSF Publication 14-584)

What is the Arctic Research Opportunities program?

The Arctic Research Opportunities program (NSF Publication 14-584) is a National Science Foundation (NSF) funding opportunity that supports research focused on the Arctic region. It is managed through NSF's Division of Polar Programs (PLR), Section for Arctic Sciences.

What is the main goal of this NSF opportunity?

The program invites proposals that improve understanding of how the Arctic works as a set of connected systems. A central emphasis is on systems-level understanding and connectivity across Arctic environments and across natural and human dimensions.

How broad is the scope of research topics supported?

The scope is intentionally broad. NSF is seeking studies that address Arctic physical, biological, geological, chemical, social, and cultural processes, as well as the interactions among oceanic, terrestrial, atmospheric, and biological components and the social, cultural, and economic systems tied to them.

What does NSF mean by "connected systems" in the Arctic?

In this program, "connected systems" refers to linkages that define the Arctic, including connections across land, ocean, and atmosphere, and across natural systems and human systems. The framing supports research that examines how changes in one part of the Arctic can cascade into ecological shifts and human impacts, and how social and cultural contexts are part of the overall Arctic picture.

Does the program support interdisciplinary research?

Yes. The solicitation emphasizes connectivity and coupled Arctic systems, which can include explicitly interdisciplinary work. At the same time, projects may also range from discipline-specific research to cross-cutting efforts that integrate multiple fields.

What kinds of activities can be funded (fieldwork, modeling, data analysis, etc.)?

The program can support a wide range of approaches, including on-the-ground field campaigns, modeling, remote sensing, data analysis efforts, and synthesis projects that integrate existing datasets to answer larger questions about Arctic change and Arctic system behavior.

Are synthesis or integrative projects allowed, or must proposals include new field data?

Synthesis projects are explicitly within scope. The opportunity describes support for projects that integrate existing datasets to address larger, cross-cutting questions, in addition to projects that collect new observations through field campaigns or remote sensing.

What examples of Arctic linkages does the program highlight?

The solicitation indicates interest in linkages such as marine and terrestrial ecosystems, sea ice and climate dynamics, permafrost and carbon cycling, geologic history and present-day hazards, and community and economic responses to environmental change.

Does the opportunity encourage education, outreach, or workforce development?

Yes. The program highlights workforce development and public benefit goals. Proposals are encouraged to contribute to the next generation of researchers and scientific literacy for learners of all ages, which can include education and outreach components, training opportunities for students and early-career scientists, and activities that broaden participation in STEM.

Is this opportunity limited to universities?

No. While universities and colleges are eligible, the opportunity also aligns with projects involving partnerships and community-relevant engagement. Eligibility includes several types of organizations beyond higher education institutions.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include U.S. universities and colleges (including community colleges) that are accredited and have a U.S. campus; U.S. nonprofit non-academic organizations (such as museums, observatories, research labs, and professional societies); U.S. for-profit organizations (including small businesses) with strong scientific or engineering research or education capabilities; and Tribal governments, Alaska Native corporations, and Alaska Native nonprofit organizations.

Are Tribal governments and Alaska Native organizations eligible?

Yes. Tribal governments, Alaska Native corporations, and Alaska Native nonprofit organizations are explicitly included among eligible applicants.

Can federal agencies or Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) apply?

Other federal agencies and FFRDCs may be eligible, but the opportunity advises these entities to contact the relevant NSF program before submitting.

Are foreign organizations eligible to submit proposals?

Yes, foreign organizations are listed as eligible to submit. However, for cooperative projects involving U.S. and foreign organizations, NSF support is limited to the U.S. portion of the work, consistent with NSF's standard approach to international collaborations.

Does NSF fund the non-U.S. portion of international collaborations under this program?

No. For cooperative projects involving U.S. and foreign organizations, NSF support is limited to the U.S. portion of the work.

What is the funding category and CFDA listing for this opportunity?

This is a discretionary grant opportunity in the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category, listed under CFDA 47.050 (Geosciences).

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The solicitation states there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement.

How much total funding is associated with this opportunity?

The estimated total funding associated with the opportunity is $25,000,000.

Is there a minimum award amount?

Yes. The listed award floor is $330,000.

How does NSF handle the high logistical costs common in Arctic research?

NSF notes that program representatives from polar and non-polar NSF units coordinate across the agency, including joint review and joint funding of Arctic proposals. They may also provide mutual support for special projects with high logistical costs, reflecting the specialized field support, transportation, and infrastructure often required for Arctic work.

Can a proposal be reviewed or funded jointly across NSF programs?

Yes. The opportunity states that polar and non-polar NSF units coordinate across the agency and may conduct joint review and joint funding of Arctic proposals, particularly when the work spans multiple NSF domains.

When are proposals due?

Deadlines were set on an annual cycle. Full proposal deadlines are shown as October 21, 2014; October 19, 2015; and October 18 annually thereafter.

What does the archive date mean for this opportunity?

The record indicates an archive date of November 17, 2017.

Where is the opportunity described officially?

The opportunity is described in NSF Publication 14-584 (Arctic Research Opportunities) and is administered through NSF's Division of Polar Programs (PLR), Section for Arctic Sciences.

Where can applicants get technical help accessing the announcement?

For issues accessing or linking to the announcement through Grants.gov, the opportunity points applicants to Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.