The NSF's High-Risk Research in Biological Anthropology and Archaeology (HRRBAA) program, under solicitation NSF 19-570, aims to support exploratory and high-risk research that can significantly advance knowledge in these fields. This program provides small grants to researchers for pilot studies or preliminary work to assess the feasibility of high-impact anthropological and archaeological projects. Projects should involve significant risk and potential to develop into larger, more fully developed research initiatives if successful. It emphasizes support for research in challenging or remote locations where uncertainties in data collection, site access, or other logistical issues may prevent other funding sources from supporting similar work.

This solicitation outlines a funding opportunity for 2 to 5 awards annually, contingent on available resources, with an anticipated funding range of $100,000 to $150,000. Individual project awards are capped at $35,000, with a maximum duration of one year. Researchers are required to justify the high-risk nature of their proposed work and explain how preliminary results from the award would enable the development of a broader, more extensive study.

Eligible applicants include organizations that meet the National Science Foundation’s general requirements, as outlined in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). There are no specific limitations on who may serve as a Principal Investigator (PI), nor restrictions on the number of proposals submitted per organization or individual PI. This program does not allow voluntary committed cost-sharing, and indirect cost limitations do not apply. Applicants must contact a program officer before submission to confirm that their research concept aligns with the HRRBAA’s criteria for high-risk research.

Proposals can be submitted anytime through either Research.gov or Grants.gov. The proposal process does not require letters of intent or preliminary submissions, but applications must follow standard NSF submission guidelines, including the recently revised page limits—5 pages for the project description and up to 5 pages for figures. Proposals are reviewed primarily on two NSF merit criteria: intellectual merit and broader impacts. The review process does not require a full review panel, which allows for an expedited decision compared to standard NSF grants.

For successful applications, awards are subject to standard NSF conditions, and the PI must submit annual and final reports through NSF's electronic systems, which detail project progress, outcomes, and contributions to the scientific community. Additionally, NSF's guidelines emphasize the integration of research and education, particularly by promoting diversity in STEM fields, which can enhance the societal impact of funded research.

For more information, potential applicants are encouraged to contact the designated program officers: Rebecca Ferrell, John E. Yellen, or Cori J. Jacildone.