The National Science Foundation is offering the Arctic Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants program to support doctoral-level dissertation research focused on Arctic Social Sciences, Arctic System Sciences, and the Arctic Observing Network. The program seeks to enhance our understanding of the Arctic region's rapidly changing natural, social, and cultural systems and their connections to global processes. These grants aim to strengthen Arctic research capacity, foster workforce development, and promote diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. Research topics can include social and environmental changes, Arctic system processes, and long-term environmental observations. Projects may involve interdisciplinary approaches and collaborations between scientists and Arctic communities, with an emphasis on knowledge co-production and responsible engagement with Indigenous knowledge holders.

The program supports projects aligned with the goals outlined in the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee’s five-year Arctic research plan. The Arctic Social Sciences Program focuses on social and cultural systems, including research in migration, community health, food security, and sustainability, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with Arctic residents and Indigenous scholarship. The Arctic System Sciences Program supports research on the interactions among physical, biological, social, and ecological processes, including feedback loops and socio-ecological resilience. The Arctic Observing Network supports long-term integrated environmental observations and promotes the development of observing technologies and coordinated data management systems.

Eligible applicants include doctoral students enrolled at accredited U.S. institutions of higher education, with proposals submitted by their academic advisors, who will serve as the Principal Investigator. The student must be listed as the Co-Principal Investigator and must be the primary author of the proposal. There is no limit on the number of proposals submitted by a single advisor, but only two submissions per student, an original and one resubmission, are allowed, except in rare cases with special dispensation. Proposals must address how research outside the Arctic contributes to advancing Arctic knowledge, and they must include data management plans adhering to NSF guidelines.

The Arctic Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants provide up to $40,000 in direct costs for project expenses, including travel, materials, and research services directly supporting dissertation activities. Indirect costs are in addition to the direct cost limit and must follow federally negotiated rates. Funds cannot be used for student stipends, advisor travel, tuition, or unrelated expenses. Project durations can be up to 36 months, and awardees must comply with environmental and ethical regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act and Principles for Conducting Research in the Arctic.

Proposals must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov following the guidelines in the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide. They must include biographical sketches for both the Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator, a signed statement from the Principal Investigator affirming the student’s readiness to undertake the project, letters of collaboration if applicable, and compliance with data sharing policies. Research involving Arctic communities must include letters confirming community awareness or collaboration.

Evaluation criteria include Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts, assessing the project's potential to advance knowledge, benefit society, and achieve stated goals. Proposals will undergo merit review by NSF program officers and expert panels, with final funding decisions based on scientific merit, alignment with program goals, and available funds. Feedback will be provided to all applicants, and funded projects must adhere to NSF reporting requirements, including annual progress reports and data sharing commitments.

Application deadlines occur annually on May 15 and December 15, with an estimated 25 awards per year, contingent upon available funding. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult with program officers during the preparation phase for guidance on alignment with program priorities and logistics planning. For additional information, key contacts include Roberto Delgado for the Arctic Observing Network, Erica Hill for Arctic Social Sciences, and Colleen Strawhacker for Arctic System Sciences.