Arctic Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (Arctic DDRIG) Arctic Social Sciences, Arctic System Sciences, and Arctic Observing Network
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 4, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for doctoral dissertation research improvement in Arctic sciences at U.S. institutions. Only graduate students enrolled at accredited U.S. two- or four-year institutions (including community colleges) can be supported. The student's dissertation advisor serves as PI, and the student is Co-PI. The advisor must submit through regular institutional channels. Research must focus on the Arctic region, its natural environment, social systems, and connectivity with lower latitudes, aligned with NSF Arctic research priorities.
International branch campuses may participate if benefits are clearly justified. Cost sharing is not required.
Eligible recipient types are U.S. institutions of higher education acting on behalf of their faculty and students.
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Program description
The National Science Foundation (NSF) invites investigators at U.S. organizations to submit proposals for Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (DDRIGs) to the Arctic Sciences Section, Office of Polar Programs (OPP) to conduct dissertation-level research about and related to the Arctic region. The Programs that are currently accepting DDRIG proposals are the Arctic Social Sciences (ASSP), Arctic System Science (ARCSS), and Arctic Observing Network (AON) Programs.
The goal of this solicitation is to attract research proposals that advance a fundamental, process, and systems-level understanding of the Arctic’s rapidly changing natural environment and social and cultural systems, and, where appropriate, to improve our capacity to project future change. The Arctic Sciences Section supports research focused on the Arctic region and its connectivity with lower latitudes. The scientific scope is aligned with, but not limited to, research challenges outlined in the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee’s five-year Arctic research plan (https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/arctic/iarpc/start.jsp). Given that this solicitation is designed to support early career scientists, this Program will also advance research capacity in Arctic sciences, promote workforce development in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
The Arctic Sciences Section coordinates with programs across NSF and with other federal and international partners to co-review and co-fund Arctic proposals as appropriate. The Arctic Sciences Section also maintains Arctic logistical infrastructure and field support capabilities that are available to enable research.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Proposal narrative (project description)
- Budget and budget justification
- CV of dissertation advisor (PI)
- CV of graduate student (Co-PI)
- Current and pending support documentation
- Biographical sketch of PI
- Institutional authorization letter
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.050 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$640,746,599
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$399,999,980
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$220,735,035
-
$109,737,723
-
$82,550,071
-
$76,780,323
-
$73,335,203
-
$68,622,497
-
$64,462,832
-
$63,916,877
Top States by Funding
- TX 4 awards $701.0M
- MA 16 awards $700.8M
- OR 5 awards $456.1M
- CA 13 awards $306.2M
- DC 4 awards $241.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.050). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,009,920,000 | |
| 2025 | $1,013,630,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $374,350 |
FAQ
Who submits the proposal?
The dissertation advisor submits on behalf of the graduate student. The advisor is the PI; the student is the Co-PI. The student must write the proposal with advisor mentorship.
Where must the student be enrolled?
The student must be enrolled at a U.S. accredited institution of higher education. Community colleges, two-year and four-year colleges are eligible.
What research topics are supported?
Research on Arctic natural environment, social and cultural systems, and Arctic-lower latitude connectivity. Topics should align with NSF Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee priorities.
Is cost sharing required?
No. This program does not require matching funds or cost sharing.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is June 15, 2026. Check NSF's FastLane or Grants.gov for exact submission time.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Frame your research within NSF's Arctic research priorities. Review the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee's five-year plan to align your proposal scope.
- Emphasize workforce development and early-career scientist capacity building. Highlight how the project advances STEM and Arctic research expertise.
- Clearly justify any international branch campus work. Explain specific benefits and why the research cannot happen at the U.S. campus.
- Ensure the student is the primary proposal author. The advisor's role is mentorship, not authorship. Reviewers will assess the student's scientific independence and growth.
- Use NSF's Arctic logistical infrastructure and field support capabilities. Reference existing infrastructure available through the program to strengthen feasibility.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak justification for international branch campus inclusion. Failing to position research within NSF Arctic research priorities and IARPC plan. Advisor-led proposal writing instead of student-centered with advisor mentorship.
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