Archaeometry
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and institutions pursuing scientific investigation of archaeological materials and artifacts using analytical techniques. University researchers, including PhD students and postdoctoral fellows, may apply. Proposals can come from academic institutions, research centers, and museums conducting original analytical research.
Activities supported include chemical analysis, isotopic studies, dating techniques, and materials characterization of archaeological specimens. Interdisciplinary collaborations between archaeologists and analytical chemists or materials scientists are encouraged.
There are no geographic restrictions. Both U.S. and international collaborators may participate, though the principal investigator must be affiliated with a U.S. institution.
Program description
The Archaeology Program administers an annual Archaeometry competition with a target date of December 1. The goal is to fund projects in two main categories:
- To develop or refine anthropologically relevant archaeometric techniques. Examples include the development of methods to identify specific types of organic residues on ceramics or development of field applicable analytic techniques.
- To support laboratories which provide relevant services. This includes support of service laboratories which, for example, may provide dating trace element, isotopic and dendrochronological analyses. It also includes support for data archives, which function to strengthen basic archaeological infrastructure.
Projects which apply standard archaeometic techniques with the goal to answer specific archaeological questions should be submitted to the Archaeology SeniorResearch Awards competition. Proposals are evaluated by both ad hoc reviewers and a panel composed of individuals who combine both archaeological and archaeometric expertise.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NSF PAPPG standard forms (SF-424, cover sheet)
- Project Narrative (15 pages typical)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical sketches of senior personnel
- Current and Pending Support statement
- Letters of support from collaborating institutions
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.075 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$38,357,018
-
$18,499,999
-
$13,999,656
-
$10,999,998
-
$8,043,354
-
$7,998,747
-
$5,500,000
-
$5,237,549
-
$5,200,000
-
$5,047,151
Top States by Funding
- MI 9 awards $94.1M
- DC 6 awards $20.0M
- AZ 7 awards $19.6M
- NY 8 awards $15.4M
- IL 3 awards $15.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.075). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $292,390,000 | |
| 2025 | $219,410,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $92,200,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Researchers at U.S. universities, research institutions, and museums can apply. Graduate students and postdocs must have an advisor or mentor as the principal investigator.
What types of projects are funded?
Projects using analytical methods to study archaeological artifacts. Examples include radiocarbon dating, elemental analysis, isotope geochemistry, and materials characterization.
What is the typical timeline from application to award?
NSF typically takes 3-6 months for review and award decisions. Project performance periods usually run 2-3 years.
How competitive is this program?
Very competitive. NSF funds approximately 20-30% of proposals in most science programs. Strong proposals include preliminary data and clear research objectives.
Are there funding limitations?
Award amounts vary but typically range from $50,000 to $300,000 depending on project scope and institutional support available.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate feasibility by including preliminary analytical results or pilot data from your samples.
- Clearly explain how your research advances archaeological understanding, not just analytical methods alone.
- Include letters of support from collaborating archaeologists and institutions holding the artifacts.
- Address data management and open science requirements in your proposal budget and narrative.
- Align your timeline realistically with lab access, artifact availability, and analytical turnaround times.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals lacking archaeological significance focus only on method development without addressing meaningful research questions. Insufficient detail about artifact access, permissions, and curatorial arrangements leads to reviewers questioning project feasibility.
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