The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences and the Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, administers the Archaeology Program Senior Research Awards (Arch-SR), which supports anthropologically relevant archaeological research aimed at increasing understanding of past human behavior. The program values research that advances anthropological theory and understanding without limitations on geography, time period, or theoretical approach. While no specific research categories are mandated, the majority of funded projects typically involve fieldwork or analysis of archaeological materials using diverse methodologies.

The Archaeology Program encourages proposals that consider the ethical implications of research, emphasize broader societal impacts, and support diversity in STEM. Projects are evaluated based on intellectual merit and broader impacts, and are expected to incorporate meaningful outreach, educational components, and data sharing practices. While data must generally be shared within two years of final collection, researchers must also address ethical limitations on data sharing if relevant. Proposals involving human subjects must include IRB status and relevant assurances.

The program allows a variety of proposal types, including standard senior research projects, as well as Archaeometry, Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grants (DDIG), and REU supplements. While there is no official maximum budget, typical awards range from $200,000 to $350,000 for two to three years. The overall program has an anticipated annual budget between $5 million and $6 million, with 20 to 30 awards expected per cycle. CAREER proposals are also accepted and reviewed separately, requiring a minimum of $400,000 and a five-year duration.

Eligible principal investigators must possess a Ph.D. or equivalent experience and be affiliated with an eligible U.S. institution; unaffiliated individuals are not permitted to apply. Undergraduate and graduate students may not serve as PIs or co-PIs on senior research proposals. Proposals can be submitted through either Research.gov or Grants.gov following guidelines in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). The program does not require letters of intent or preliminary proposals.

Proposals are reviewed using NSF’s two principal merit review criteria—intellectual merit and broader impacts—by external reviewers and program officers. Researchers are encouraged to contact the program in advance with a one-page summary if they are unsure about the fit of their project. Submissions are accepted twice annually, with target dates of July 1 and December 1 each year. Award decisions aim to be communicated within six months of submission.

For further assistance, applicants can contact Program Director John E. Yellen at jyellen@nsf.gov or (703) 292-8759, and Business Operations Analyst Don Rimon at drimon@nsf.gov or (703) 292-2960.