Developmental Sciences

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) and Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences (BCS), offers the Developmental Sciences (DS) Program to support fundamental research that advances understanding of human development across the lifespan. This includes research into perceptual, cognitive, linguistic, social, cultural, and biological processes. The program emphasizes basic research with the goal of increasing knowledge of the developmental mechanisms that underlie human functioning, ultimately informing ways individuals can thrive as members of society. It is not intended for clinical trials or research focused primarily on health outcomes. The DS program supports a diverse range of topics including, but not limited to, studies on language acquisition, cognitive development, emotional regulation, motor coordination, and perceptual processes. It encourages research involving various populations, including infants, children, adolescents, adults, aging populations, and non-human animals. The program funds projects that utilize multidisciplinary, longitudinal, and multi-method approaches. Projects are expected to integrate across processes (such as memory and perception), levels of analysis (behavioral, neural, social), and timescales. The DS program is especially interested in proposals that use innovative methodologies and theoretical approaches, and in those that address equity, inclusion, and cultural competence in research practices. Funding requests typically range from $100,000 to $200,000 per year, with a three-year duration being common. There are no set budget limits, but proposals significantly exceeding this typical range may be returned without review. Proposals for conferences or workshops are also considered, usually with a budget cap around $35,000 and submitted only after prior approval. Additional mechanisms supported by the program include CAREER awards (with a minimum of $400,000), EAGER, RAPID, and REU supplements. The anticipated total program funding for FY 2025 is approximately $6.5 million, with about 12 awards expected, subject to availability of funds. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based institutions of higher education (two- and four-year colleges), non-profit organizations, for-profit companies with research capabilities, local and state governments, tribal nations, and federal agencies or FFRDCs (with prior approval). Foreign organizations may collaborate, but funding will only support the U.S. portion of the project. All proposals must follow the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Each PI or co-PI is limited to one proposal per cycle; additional involvement must be as a consultant or collaborator only. Proposals that do not meet revision standards following a prior declination will be returned without review unless specifically authorized. Proposals must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov by 5 p.m. local time of the submitting organization. The next deadlines are July 30, 2026, and January 30, 2027, recurring annually on these dates thereafter. All applications are evaluated based on NSF’s standard review criteria—Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts—along with specific expectations related to sampling, demographic representation, community engagement, and data management. Researchers are strongly encouraged to contact program directors in advance for guidance or to submit a one-page summary for feedback. For further details, prospective applicants can reach out to Program Directors Anna V. Fisher (avfisher@nsf.gov, 703-292-8451) or Joseph C. Toscano (jctoscan@nsf.gov, 703-292-7220). Business operations questions can be directed to Katia McCuen at kmccuen@nsf.gov or 703-292-2058. More information, including current solicitation documents, policies, and award administration procedures, is available on the NSF website.

Contact program officers with 1-page summary prior to proposal. Use NSF award database for reference. Pre-approval needed for conferences.