The U.S. National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in all 50 states and U.S. territories. NSF was established in 1950 by Congress to promote the progress of science, advance the national health, prosperity and welfare, and secure the national defense.
The grant program aims to support doctoral dissertation research improvement grants (DDRIGs) in three specific Arctic Sciences programs: Arctic Social Sciences, Arctic System Science, and Arctic Observing Network. These grants are meant for investigators conducting dissertation-level research related to the Arctic region, with goals to advance understanding of the Arctic's rapidly changing natural, social, and cultural systems. The initiative seeks to promote research that can project future changes in the Arctic, contributing to workforce development and enhancing diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. Additionally, it coordinates with various NSF programs and international partners to support this Arctic-focused research, providing necessary logistical and field support for the research efforts.