The Cultural Anthropology Program Senior Research Awards (CA-SR) supports fundamental and systematic anthropological research aimed at increasing understanding of human social and cultural variability. The program funds empirical and theoretical studies that contribute to the advancement of anthropological science, emphasizing research that is generalizable beyond case studies. It encourages a wide range of methodologies, including ethnographic fieldwork, remote sensing, archival research, and computational modeling. While the program does not fund research with primarily applied or policy-driven objectives, it does support studies that integrate theory with real-world implications.

Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, such as two- and four-year colleges and universities, including community colleges, as well as non-profit research organizations and federally recognized Tribal Nations. Proposals must be submitted by institutions on behalf of faculty members, but there are no restrictions on who may serve as a principal investigator. The program also prioritizes broadening participation in STEM by encouraging applications from underrepresented groups and institutions, such as historically Black colleges and universities, tribal colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and other minority-serving institutions.

The anticipated funding amount is approximately four million dollars annually, with thirty to forty awards issued per year. The standard award duration is up to thirty-six months, with funding covering research expenses such as salary, travel, research assistance, participant incentives, and open-access publication costs. Senior research awards generally do not exceed one hundred twenty thousand dollars per year, while specialized proposals such as trans-disciplinary research in environmental social science can receive up to two hundred fifty thousand dollars per year. Additionally, the program offers smaller grants for conferences, research skill enhancement, and supplemental funding for undergraduate and graduate research experiences.

Applications must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov following the National Science Foundation Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide. Proposals require a detailed project description, budget justification, data management and sharing plan, and letters of collaboration if applicable. The submission deadlines are January fifteenth and August fifteenth annually. Proposals undergo a merit review process, evaluated based on intellectual merit and broader impacts, with assessments conducted by expert reviewers and National Science Foundation program officers.

The National Science Foundation imposes standard award conditions and reporting requirements, including annual project reports, a final project summary, and adherence to data-sharing policies. The program also supports community-engaged research, encouraging projects that involve partnerships with tribal organizations, non-profits, and community stakeholders. However, proposals must demonstrate clear theoretical contributions to anthropology rather than being solely focused on practical solutions.

For additional information or proposal consultations, applicants are encouraged to contact the National Science Foundation program officers listed in the solicitation. The program aligns with the National Science Foundation’s mission to advance fundamental scientific knowledge and broaden participation in STEM disciplines, supporting projects that contribute to both academic scholarship and societal understanding of cultural and social diversity.