Long-Term Ecological Research
Agency: U.S. National Science Foundation
Assistance Listings
- 47.075 -- Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences
- 47.078 -- Polar Programs
- 47.074 -- Biological Sciences
- 47.050 -- Geosciences
Archived opportunityLast Updated: May 13, 2026
View version history on Grants.gov
Description
To address ecological questions that cannot be resolved with short-term observations or experiments, NSF established the Long Term Ecological Research Program (LTER) in 1980.Three unique components differentiate LTER research from projects supported by other NSF programs: 1) the research is located at specific sites chosen to represent major ecosystem types or natural biomes; 2) it emphasizes the study of phenomena over long periods of time, based upon data collection in five core areas; and 3) projects include significant integrative, cross-site, network-wide research. Research at LTER sites provides...
experiments, databases, and research programs for use by other scientists. It must test important ecological or ecosystem theories including, but not limited to, ecosystem stability, biodiversity, community structure, and energy flow. Recognizing that the value of long-term data extends beyond use at any individual site, NSF requires that data collected by all LTER sites be made broadly accessible.Since its origin in 1980, the LTER program has grown in size and mandate. It currently supports 26 active sites representing major biotic regions of the continental US and Alaska, the marine environment, and the Antarctic continent. Its disciplinary scope includes population and community ecology, ecosystem science, evolutionary biology, phylogenetic systematics, social and economic sciences, urban ecology, oceanography, mathematics, computer science, and science education. The existence of a network across sites allows for continental-scale questions to be addressed.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Miscellaneous
- Other
Additional information
*Organization Limit: Proposals may only be submitted by the following:
-
U.S. universities and colleges, U.S. non-profit, non-academic organizations, and for-profit organizations are eligible to submit proposals under this program solicitation. Collaborative proposals must be submitted using the "single proposal" method as described in Chapter II, Section D.4.a. of the GPG. Separately submitted collaborative proposals will be returned without review.
Please note: The LTER program is currently accepting only renewal proposals. Onlyorganizations with active LTER awards are eligible to apply.
*PI Limit:
The LTER program is currently accepting only renewal proposals. Only PIs associated with active LTER awards are eligible to apply.
Grantor contact information
Description
NSF grants.gov support
grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
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Documents
No documents are currently available.
Link to additional information
Archived: March 25, 2012
Award
$11,000,000
Program Funding
11
Expected awards
$980,000
Award Minimum
$--
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
12-524
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
No
Funding instrument type:
Grant
Opportunity Category:
Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
--
Category of Funding Activity:
Science technology and other research and development
Category Explanation:
--
History
Version:
1
Posted date:
December 23, 2011
Archive date:
March 25, 2012
