High-Risk Research in Biological Anthropology and Archaeology
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers conducting innovative, high-risk biological anthropology and archaeology projects. Applicants must be associated with eligible institutions, typically colleges, universities, or research organizations. Individuals must hold faculty positions or equivalent research appointments. The program supports groundbreaking studies that may challenge established paradigms. Projects can focus on human evolution, primatology, archaeological methodology, or related disciplines.
Program description
Anthropological research may be conducted under unusual circumstances, often in distant locations. As a result the ability to conduct potentially important research may hinge on factors that are impossible to assess from a distance and some projects with potentially great payoffs may face difficulties in securing funding. This program gives small awards that provide investigators with the opportunity to assess the feasibility of an anthropological research project. It is required that the proposed activity be clearly high risk in nature. The information gathered may then be used as the basis for preparing a more fully developed research program.
Investigators must contact the cognizant NSF Program Director before submitting an HRRBAA proposal. This will facilitate determining whether the proposed work is appropriate for HRRBAA support.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NSF Form 424 (R&R)
- Project Narrative (15 pages max, typical)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (researchers)
- Current and Pending Support
- Letters of Institutional Commitment
- Facilities, Equipment, and Other Resources statement
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 can apply for this grant?
Faculty researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and research scientists at eligible institutions. Graduate students may apply if they have faculty sponsorship.
What types of research are supported?
High-risk, innovative studies in biological anthropology and archaeology. Projects must have significant potential impact despite uncertain outcomes.
What is the typical funding range?
NSF research grants vary widely, typically $75,000 to $500,000 depending on project scope and duration.
How competitive is this program?
NSF programs are highly competitive. Success rates typically range from 15-25%. Strong preliminary data and clear innovation are essential.
When can I apply?
This program has rolling deadlines. Check NSF.gov for current submission windows and any variations.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly articulate the high-risk, high-reward nature of your project. Reviewers want to see transformative potential.
- Include preliminary data or evidence that validates your novel approach, even if limited.
- Address potential pitfalls openly. Explain how you'll handle if initial hypotheses don't pan out.
- Align with NSF priorities: interdisciplinary work, broadening participation, and infrastructure development are plus factors.
- Build strong institutional support. Your institution's research office should verify eligibility and facility commitment early.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Overstating certainty. High-risk research should acknowledge uncertainty; overpromising results reduces credibility. Weak preliminary data. Reviewers need evidence your approach is feasible, even if outcomes are uncertain. Insufficient institutional commitment. Vague letters of support or unclear access to facilities will weaken applications.
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