Sullivan, Murkowski, Hickenlooper Introduce Legislation to Permanently Authorize NSF Office of Polar Programs

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), along with Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), have introduced the Promoting Operational Leadership in Arctic and Antarctic Research (POLAR) Act, legislation that will permanently authorize the National Science Foundation (NSF) Office of Polar Programs (OPP) and reinforce NSF's leadership and Alaska's role in advancing U.S. interests in polar research and development through education, workforce development, and critical research infrastructure. The bill will strengthen the United States' ability to observe, understand, and predict the physical, biological, and geological processes in polar regions by supporting informed decision-making, navigational safety, national security, and the long-term resilience of Alaska's communities.

"In the past few years, we've begun to realize a vision I've championed for Alaska as an intellectual research hub, anchored by our world-class universities and the major research institutions that have been coming to our state," said Sen. Sullivan. "The National Science Foundation's Office of Polar Programs is one piece of this vision, supporting innovative and creative scientific research in Earth's polar regions and funding Alaska's Arctic research institutes, which are critical to the preparedness and resilience of arctic communities and strengthening both America's national security and Arctic defense. This week, Senators Murkowski, Hickenlooper, and I introduced legislation to make this office permanent. Our legislation will secure the polar sciences' place among other leading scientific fields, clarify how much funding goes to Arctic versus Antarctic research, and strengthen the office that provides the majority of the National Science Foundation's funding to the University of Alaska Arctic research system for years to come."

"As the Arctic grows in strategic importance, the United States must continue investing in the research, infrastructure, and expertise needed to strengthen our understanding of this rapidly changing region," said Sen. Murkowski. "The National Science Foundation's Office of Polar Programs has long provided the scientific and logistical foundation for American leadership in the Arctic and Antarctica. By establishing the Office as a permanent directorate within NSF, the POLAR Act ensures our nation is better positioned to advance critical research, support national security, and maintain U.S. leadership in the polar regions. It also reinforces the University of Alaska's role as our nation's premier Arctic research institution and a cornerstone of America's Arctic future. I appreciate Senator Sullivan's leadership and the close partnership with the University of Alaska in developing this legislation."

"As a geologist, I've seen how research drives discovery and innovation," said Sen. Hickenlooper. "Colorado is a global leader in atmospheric and polar research, and elevating NSF's polar programs will support the groundbreaking work happening right here in our backyard."

"The University of Alaska system extends deep gratitude to Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) for introducing the Promoting Operational Leadership in Arctic and Antarctic Research Act or the POLAR Act," said Michelle Rizk, Interim President, University of Alaska System. "We also commend Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) for joining Senator Sullivan on this important legislation. By elevating the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Office of Polar Programs to a full Directorate, this bill raises polar science to its rightful place alongside other important areas of science, including engineering, computer science, biology, and mathematics. NSF is the largest federal sponsor of UA research, and polar programs fund more research than any other component of NSF. We are grateful for Senator Sullivan's leadership in supporting NSF and working to strengthen its polar and Arctic research programs. We look forward to the timely passage of the POLAR Act."

"As America's Arctic University, we are very appreciative and supportive of the legislation proposed by Senators Sullivan and Hickenlooper to address the critical need for knowledge of the polar regions," said Dr. Larry Hinzman, Interim Chancellor, University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). "The U.S. and international Arctic and Antarctic research and policy communities know that such investments are essential to help our nation address challenges related to food, energy and national security, as well as providing greater understanding of space physics, climate dynamics and oceanic processes.The Promoting Operational Leadership in Arctic and Antarctic Research Act (POLAR) is a vital step in the right direction."

BACKGROUND:

The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is a world-class intellectual hub for Arctic research, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and cold weather innovation. Senator Sullivan has been a longtime advocate for UAF, recently securing critical funding and partnerships to grow the university's Arctic research programs.

In July 2026, following Sen. Sullivan's advocacy, NSF announced that the Alaska Critical Mineral Collaborative (ACMC), led by UAF, was selected as one of the new NSF Regional Innovation Engines. The Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine could bring up to $160 million in funding to Alaska over the next 10 years and will help advance critical mineral development, innovation and collaboration, across Alaska and the United States.

In May 2026, Sen. Sullivan secured a 3-year agreement between UAF and the Department of War's Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). The collaboration will fast-track the development and production of technologies to support the U.S. military, initially focusing on energy, hypersonics, drone operations, remote sensing, and space systems.

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