The Arctic regions are among the most sensitive to environmental change and have exceptionally long natural climate records and thousands of years of human settlement. This interplay provides a unique basis for integrated research on global systems and human adaptation.
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Arctic Research Opportunities
The goal of the arctic research program is to gain a better understanding of the Arctic’s biological, geophysical, chemical and sociocultural processes, and the interactions of ocean, land, atmosphere, biological and human systems.
Arctic research is supported by (OPP), as well as many other disciplinary programs within the National Science Foundation (NSF). Coordination across NSF includes the potential for joint review and funding of proposals, as well as mutual support of special projects with high logistical costs.
The Arctic Research Opportunities program solicits proposals for the following areas of interest:
- Arctic Natural Sciences (ANS)
- Arctic Observing Network (AON)
- Arctic Social Sciences Program (ASSP)
- Arctic System Science (ARCSS)
- Arctic Research Coordination and Policy Support
- Arctic Research Support and Logistics
Information about support for arctic fieldwork in proposals awarded by OPP is available through the Arctic Research Support and Logistics program. The Arctic Data Center is the repository for project metadata and data.
Recent funding opportunities
The following opportunities may be of interest to Arctic researchers.
'Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984'
NSF is one of 14 Federal agencies that sponsor or conduct arctic science, engineering, and related activities. As mandated by the "Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984," interagency research planning is coordinated through the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee (IARPC), which is chaired by NSF. Researchers are strongly encouraged to engage in IARPC activities through the IARPC Collaborations Portal. Further information on other agency programs is presented in the U.S. Arctic Research Plan 2022-2026.
Arctic Community Engagement (ACE)
NSF recognizes the importance of including Indigenous peoples in Arctic science and research efforts. The Arctic community engagement (ACE) website contains information on a range of NSF programs, initiatives, external collaborations and other resources that aim to facilitate effective and respectful engagement with local and Indigenous peoples in Arctic research, education, and outreach activities.