February 26, 2024

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is accepting applications from media professionals to visit the Arctic to report on NSF-supported research.

NSF will select journalists and media outlets whose reporting would help make the broadest possible segment of the public aware of the importance of NSF investments in scientific research conducted in the Arctic. Reporting will take place in Greenland, including at NSF’s Summit Station, Alaska, or vessel port calls, based on the preferred reporting topic and logistical support available.

Competitive applications would:

• Demonstrate your ability to raise awareness and understanding around NSF's activities, including the science NSF supports in the Arctic region.
• Present an innovative approach to engaging the intended audience.
• Demonstrate previous work focusing on Arctic or environmental topics.
• Detail how your work will provide new understanding of the Arctic, science, and/or operations.
• Provide metrics to support your objectives and outreach capability, including a social media presence.

Research areas that might be part of a media visit, subject to logistical restrictions, include:

• Studies of organisms or ecosystems and their responses to environmental changes.
• Population dynamic studies of critical Arctic species.
• Utilizing ice cores to understand past and present climate.
• Astrophysics at a high-latitude research facility.
• Understanding ocean dynamics and ocean science.
• Ice sheet dynamics and the ice sheet-atmosphere feedback. 

Applicants must be aware of and adhere to the following conditions:

• All proposals must include a separate, written commitment from the applicant's outlet -- on official letterhead -- to air or publish the stories that are described in the application and to pay the costs of reaching the embarkation point. (see "Expenses" section below). Proposals that fail to include this information will not be considered.
• This program does not support artists, book writers, or feature-film proposals.
• Media visits will be contingent on space availability and logistics capabilities.
• Participants will be expected to follow the OPP Code of Conduct and any applicable health policies, including, but not limited to, COVID-19 mitigation requirements.

Any request to use drones as part of a media deployment should, at minimum, clearly indicate why and contain documentation of the training and experience of the person or persons who will be designated as the operator of the aircraft. Additional permits may be required that are the responsibility of the proposer, and drone use may be prohibited under some circumstances.

For additional background on the NSF Arctic Sciences Section, visit https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/arctic/index.jsp.

How to apply: U.S. media receive preference in selection. Applicants should apply through the application portal located on the NSF website by 11:59 PM (local time) on March 17, 2024.

Applicants are encouraged to contact NSF to discuss their ideas before submitting their proposals by emailing nsfpolarmedia@nsf.gov.

Selection: A panel consisting of science and research support staff from NSF will review all proposals and select finalists. Applicants should expect to receive preliminary results from NSF no later than April 12, 2024.

Once selected, extensive advanced planning with the principals and NSF will be required to make the proposed visit successful. Logistical limitations can make it difficult to modify itineraries.

Deployment period: Deployment would most likely occur between May and August 2024, for a period of approximately 4-7 working days. Actual dates depend on story planning and logistics discussions.

Expenses:  Selected media, or their employers, will be expected to pay all travel and accommodation expenses to and from the agreed embarkation point. In the case of Summit Station, media will be responsible for travel to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, in addition to accommodations and meals while there. If traveling to NSF’s Summit Station in Greenland, NSF furnishes at no cost to participants: transportation to and from Summit Station, cold-weather clothing and boots, and housing and food while at the station.

If the location is in Alaska, the outlet can expect to pay all travel and accommodation expenses to Fairbanks, Alaska or other commercial airports. Travel by vehicle or charter aircraft from that point would be at the expense of NSF. No additional clothing is provided in Alaska.

Medical:  Participants will be expected to follow COVID-19 mitigation requirements, including proof of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters if traveling to Summit Station in Greenland or Toolik Field Station in Alaska. Those traveling to Summit Station are reminded that the station is located at 10,530 feet (3200 meters) above sea level. A physical examination by a doctor is recommended before visiting the station.

Send questions to: nsfpolarmedia@nsf.gov

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The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2023 budget of $9.5 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.

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