The National Science Foundation's Archaeometry program supports research aimed at advancing archaeometric techniques and enhancing laboratories and data archives that provide essential services to the archaeological community. The program focuses on two main categories: developing or refining analytical techniques relevant to anthropology and supporting service laboratories that offer analyses such as radiocarbon dating, trace element identification, and isotopic studies. Projects that aim to answer specific archaeological questions using standard techniques should instead be directed to the Archaeology Senior Research Awards competition. Proposals submitted to the Archaeometry program are evaluated through both ad hoc reviews and a panel composed of experts in archaeology and archaeometric methods.

Eligible applicants must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree and demonstrate sufficient expertise to conduct independent research. Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to participate in research projects but cannot serve as principal investigators, co-principal investigators, or senior personnel. There are no limits on the number of proposals an organization or individual researcher can submit. Collaborative projects, including those involving international partners, are encouraged but must demonstrate intellectual integration and appropriate sharing of responsibilities and resources. Any collaboration with foreign institutions must include proper documentation, including permits and authorizations, and comply with relevant ethical and legal considerations.

The program emphasizes ethical research practices, including responsible engagement with descendant communities, careful handling of human subjects data, and compliance with regulations governing cultural heritage and environmental impacts. Proposals are expected to address ethical implications within their project descriptions. Additionally, all proposals must include a comprehensive data management plan that ensures collected data, samples, and derived products are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. Data and samples must be shared within two years of final collection, except in cases where ethical considerations limit sharing. Plans for long-term preservation and dissemination of data should be outlined in detail, with repositories such as Open Context and The Digital Archaeological Record (tDAR) recommended for data archiving.

The total anticipated funding for the Archaeometry program is between $600,000 and $700,000 annually, with approximately four awards expected per funding cycle. Awards are issued as standard or continuing grants, with funding amounts and durations subject to the availability of funds. Proposals must adhere to NSF guidelines as outlined in the Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide and can be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov. If submitting a revised proposal, applicants must include a summary in the project description detailing how reviewer concerns were addressed.

Proposals will be evaluated based on two primary criteria: Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. Intellectual Merit assesses the potential to advance knowledge, while Broader Impacts consider the proposal's contribution to societal benefits, such as diversity in STEM, public engagement, and partnerships with underrepresented institutions. The evaluation also considers the adequacy of resources, the expertise of the research team, and the project’s mechanisms for assessing success. Annual and final reports are required for funded projects, with updates on data management and dissemination included in these reports.

Proposals are due annually on December 1. Researchers are encouraged to consult with program officers before submission if they are uncertain whether their project aligns with the Archaeometry program's objectives. Additional program information and contact details are available through NSF's program officers John E. Yellen and Don Rimon. Researchers are also encouraged to review the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide for detailed submission and compliance requirements.