Science of Science: Discovery, Communication and Impact

The Science of Science: Discovery, Communication and Impact program is administered by the National Science Foundation within its Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences Directorate. The program builds upon prior investments in the science of science and innovation policy and is designed to advance foundational knowledge about how scientific activity occurs, how it is communicated, and how it generates public value. NSF, as an independent federal agency, supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering, and this program specifically targets the meta-level study of science itself, including systems, behaviors, and outcomes that influence discovery and societal benefit. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support rigorous research that improves theoretical and empirical understanding of the processes that drive scientific discovery, communication, and impact. The program encourages proposals that explore social and structural mechanisms underlying scientific advancement, develop frameworks and models for understanding research dissemination, and assess how science contributes to evidence-based policymaking and societal outcomes. Projects may operate across multiple levels of analysis, including individual researchers, institutions, and broader systems, and may employ diverse disciplinary approaches and methodologies. Funding under this program is intended to support a range of research activities, including standard research grants, collaborative projects, and conference grants. There is a strong emphasis on producing transformative, rather than incremental, advances through the development of new models, datasets, analytical tools, and indicators. Awardees are expected to include robust data management plans that promote open science and public access to reliable and reusable research outputs. While specific funding amounts and award sizes are not detailed in the provided material, NSF programs typically support multi-year research efforts aligned with project scope and complexity. Eligibility for this program is broad and consistent with NSF standards, generally including institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and other research-capable entities within the United States. The program strongly encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and participation from early-career researchers as well as individuals and institutions representing groups historically underrepresented in science, engineering, and mathematics. Proposals that enhance workforce development, strengthen national competitiveness, and expand participation in the scientific enterprise are particularly encouraged. The application process requires submission of full proposals through Research.gov or Grants.gov in accordance with NSF’s Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide. Proposals must include detailed project descriptions, methodological approaches, data management plans, and broader impacts statements. Evaluation criteria include intellectual merit and broader impacts, with particular attention to the project’s potential to advance knowledge, contribute to theory, and generate societal benefits. Applicants are expected to provide credible and rigorous assessments of anticipated outcomes and policy implications. There are currently no specified upcoming due dates, and the program is awaiting a new publication for the next funding cycle. This suggests that while the program is recurring, applicants must monitor NSF announcements for future solicitations. Past program activities, including office hours and related initiatives, indicate ongoing engagement with the research community. Award timelines, including notification and performance periods, are not explicitly stated but typically follow NSF’s standard review and award processes. For inquiries, applicants may contact the program director via the provided email and phone number.

Focus on advancing theory and producing transformative rather than incremental contributions; ensure strong data management and clear societal impact; align closely with NSF intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria