The Biological Anthropology Program Senior Research Awards (BA-SR), funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), supports basic research on human and primate evolution, biological variation, and the interactions between biology, behavior, and culture. This program advances scientific knowledge about the processes that have shaped biological diversity in both living and fossil primates, including humans. Research funded under this program should demonstrate engagement with biological anthropological and evolutionary theory, use interdisciplinary methods, span multiple levels of analysis (molecular, organismal, population, ecosystem), and incorporate both short-term and evolutionary time scales. Additionally, proposals should address ethical considerations and the broader societal impacts of the research.

The primary goal of the program is to support innovative and rigorous research that enhances the understanding of biological diversity and adaptation. Projects should investigate aspects of human and primate evolution, biological variation, and adaptation through various methodological approaches including fieldwork, laboratory studies, and computational modeling. The program also encourages projects that promote broader impacts such as increasing participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), developing training opportunities, and fostering outreach activities.

The program awards both standard and continuing grants, with an estimated budget of four to five million dollars annually. Typical research awards range from two hundred thousand to six hundred thousand dollars over a three-year period. The estimated number of awards given per year is between twenty and forty. Special awards, including conference and workshop proposals, scholars proposals for methodological training, and supplemental funding requests for community-engaged research, post-baccalaureate research experiences, and undergraduate research opportunities, are also available.

Eligible applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent education and experience, sufficient to allow them to conduct independent basic research. Proposals may be submitted by researchers affiliated with academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and other research-focused entities. Proposals must follow NSF’s submission guidelines and comply with all applicable regulations, including requirements for ethics statements and data sharing.

Applications must be submitted through either Research.gov or Grants.gov. Submission windows occur twice annually: in January and July, with rolling deadlines for supplemental funding requests. Declined proposals may not be resubmitted for one year and must be substantially revised before reconsideration. Additionally, the first paragraph of a resubmitted proposal’s project description must summarize how revisions address previous reviewer concerns.

Proposals are evaluated based on the National Science Board’s merit review criteria, which include intellectual merit and broader impacts. The intellectual merit criterion assesses a project’s potential to advance knowledge and methodology within biological anthropology. The broader impacts criterion evaluates the project’s contributions to society, such as increasing public engagement with science, fostering diversity in STEM fields, and supporting education and workforce development.

For further inquiries, applicants may contact program directors Marta P. Alfonso-Durruty, Rebecca Ferrell, or business operations specialist Angelica Brewer. Full proposal guidelines, submission requirements, and additional details can be accessed through the NSF website.