Through this solicitation, the Antarctic Sciences Section (ANT) of the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) funds cutting-edge research that requires logistical support from the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) and:

• Improves understanding of interactions among the Antarctic region and global systems.
• Improves understanding of the dynamic linkages among processes operating in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean and linkages to global Earth systems, which helps inform decision making regarding environmental change.
• Advances fundamental understanding of Earth systems and the biological, geochemical, and physical processes in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean as drivers and responders to changes on a global scale.
• Expands fundamental knowledge of Antarctic systems, biota, and processes.
• Utilizes the unique characteristics of the Antarctic region as a science observing platform.
• Builds capacity and enhances the US workforce for polar-related science.

Antarctic fieldwork is supported only for research that must be performed, or is best performed, in Antarctica. Proposers that do NOT require USAP logistical support should consult the Antarctic Sciences web page for current opportunities.

NSF is currently undertaking a planned multiyear program of essential maintenance and upgrade projects, with the goal of ensuring that researchers continue to have access to world-leading Antarctic facilities. The need to support this important work necessarily places some limitations on the logistical support that can currently be provided for new projects. Proposers should comply with the guidance set out below in the Program Description regarding the USAP logistical support that is available. No other USAP resources may be requested.