NSF  Antarctic Research
NSF 20-568
https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2020/nsf20568/nsf20568.htm 

A core focus of Antarctic Sciences is to support research to:

(1) Expand fundamental knowledge of Antarctic systems, biota, and processes
Antarctic Sciences supports a broad-based research program across all major areas of Antarctic and Southern Ocean science to understand the wide range of environments, organisms, and processes that currently shape, and have shaped in the past, this unique continent, its surrounding continental shelves, and adjacent ocean basins. A key component of Antarctic Sciences-supported research is the identification and characterization of processes, feedbacks, and responses of the Antarctic system to physical, geochemical, and biological drivers.
 

(2) Improve understanding of interactions among the Antarctic region and global systems
Research carried out in the Antarctic region plays a critical role in advancing fundamental understanding of Earth systems as the biological, geochemical, and physical processes in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean are both drivers and responders to changes on a global scale. ANT supports research to improve understanding of the dynamic linkages among processes operating in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean and how they are linked to global Earth systems. This research helps inform decision making regarding environmental change.

(3) Utilize the unique characteristics of the Antarctic region as a science observing platform
Antarctic Sciences supports transformative, and emerging astrophysical and geospace research that uses Antarctica as an observing platform, including studies on the fundamental physics and evolution of the Universe, cosmic microwave background radiation, galactic astronomy, solar and cosmic-ray physics, and high-energy neutrino physics.