NSF SPARC Solicitation

SPARC (SPatial Archaeometry Research Collaborations) is an NSF-funded Archaeology and Archaeometry program dedicated to promoting geospatial research in archaeology, hosted by the Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies at the University of Arkansas, Dartmouth College, and University of Glasgow. Now in its 7th year, SPARC offers direct support to archaeological projects through awards in three categories:

  • Fieldwork: On-site data collection
  • Data & Analytics: Preparation, processing and analysis of geospatial data
  • Publication: Presentation, publication and archiving of complex geospatial datasets

For this solicitation, we will be prioritizing Data & Analytics and Publications proposals due to uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and those which align with our analytical development priorities such as microCT and imagery analysis (see the https://sparc.cast.uark.edu/ homepage for full list). However, we will consider other projects on a case-by-case basis.

We particularly encourage applications from scholars underrepresented within the field of archaeology, early-career scholars, and those working in the public sector or at public institutions. Late-stage PhD students are eligible for SPARC submissions. The Program sets no priorities based on time period, geographic region or specific research topic, but projects should have an anthropologically relevant focus and qualify for NSF archaeology funding.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through April 2021. Pre-application consultations are required before submission. Please visit our website at https://sparc.cast.uark.edu/ for more information about the Program and the application process.