Antarctic Sciences
Section Head: Sarah Ruth
The Antarctic Sciences Section (ANT) of the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) supports cutting-edge research that:
- Improves understanding of interactions among the Antarctic region and global systems;
- Expands fundamental knowledge of Antarctic systems, biota, and processes;
- Utilizes the unique characteristics of the Antarctic region as a science observing platform; and
- Builds capacity and enhances diversity in the US workforce for polar-related science.
The U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) supports scientific research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean with logistics provided by OPP's Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics Section (AIL). Antarctic fieldwork is supported only for research that must be performed, or is best performed, in Antarctica.
ANT encourages and supports non-fieldwork research that crosses and combines disciplinary perspectives and approaches from other fields and/or research that uses existing data and samples, and other research not requiring a presence in Antarctica. This may include research undertaken at analogue locations outside Antarctica.
Diversifying and broadening participation is a priority for the Antarctic Sciences Section. ANT encourages the leadership, partnership, and contributions of individuals who are members of groups underrepresented and/or underserved in all opportunities in STEM education programs and careers. ANT promotes and expects that all individuals, including those from groups that are underrepresented and/or underserved in STEM, are treated equitably and inclusively throughout the Foundation's proposal and award process.
The Antarctic Sciences Section coordinates with programs across NSF and with other federal and international partners to co-review and co-fund Antarctic-related proposals as appropriate.
Researchers who would like to discuss a proposal or funded project should contact the relevant program director. Section staff and contact details can be found here: Antarctic Sciences Section Staff.
Current Funding Opportunities
- NSF 23-508: Antarctic Research Not Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) Field Support
- All OPP funding opportunities
Announcement and Updates
- April 1, 2024: Update on Science Support and Infrastructure in Antarctica
- June 12, 2023: Dear Colleague Letter: 2023 Update on Science Support and Infrastructure in Antarctica
- July 15, 2022: Dear Colleague Letter: Office of Polar Programs Data, Code, and Sample Management Policy
- April 29, 2022: Dear Colleague Letter: Update on Science Support and Infrastructure in Antarctica
- January 27, 2021: Dear Colleague Letter: Supporting Data and Sample Reuse in Polar Research
Reports and Studies
- National Academies of Sciences Report: Future Directions for Southern Ocean and Antarctic Nearshore and Coastal Research (2024)
- Report of the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on the U.S. Antarctic Program's Research Vessel Procurement (2019)
- National Academies of Sciences Report: Mid-Term Assessment of Progress on the 2015 Strategic Vision for Antarctic and Southern Ocean Research
- OPP comment on Mid-Term Assessment of Progress on the 2015 Strategic Vision for Antarctic and Southern Ocean Research
- National Academies of Sciences Report: A Strategic Vision for NSF Investments in Antarctic and Southern Ocean Research (2015)
- Status of OPP activities related to the NAS 2015 report: A Strategic Vision for NSF Investments in Antarctic and Southern Ocean Research