[U.S. National Science Foundation](https://www.nsf.gov)

Proposals accepted anytime

Estimated total program funding: $5,500,000; typical award size and duration vary by project type.

Supports interdisciplinary, social scientific research on law, law-like systems, and the application of science and technology in legal contexts.

--- ## Description The program supports research that advances scientific understanding of the connections between human behavior and law, legal institutions, or legal processes, as well as the interactions of law with basic sciences (including biology, computer and information sciences, STEM education, engineering, geosciences, and physical sciences). The initiative is inherently interdisciplinary and multi-methodological, encouraging studies that treat law as a dynamic system interacting with various societal domains. Research topics of interest include, but are not limited to: - Crime, violence, and policing - Cyberspace and information technology - Economic and environmental issues - Forensic science and evidentiary matters - Governance, courts, and litigation - Human rights and comparative law - Legal and ethical issues related to science and emerging technologies (e.g., biotechnology, gene editing) - Legal decision-making, mobilization, and conceptions of justice - Punishment, corrections, and regulation Supported proposal types include standard research grants, collaborative research, and conference awards. The program also participates in NSF-wide activities such as CAREER, REU, RUI, RAPID, and EAGER. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals are accepted at any time; there is no fixed deadline. --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: $5,500,000. - No specified minimum or maximum award amount; award size and duration depend on the project type and scope. - No cost sharing or matching requirement. --- ## Eligibility - Eligibility is unrestricted: open to any type of applicant (e.g., universities, colleges, nonprofits, for-profits, and other organizations). - All applicants must adhere to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). - See program page for any additional clarifications. --- ## Application Process - Proposals must be prepared and submitted according to the requirements in the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg). - Submission is via [NSF systems](https://www.research.gov/) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/329432). - Carefully review the program solicitation and ensure compliance with all requirements at the time of submission. - Proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis. --- ## Additional Information - The program is managed by the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE), Division of Social and Economic Sciences (SES). - Proposals are subject to updated NSF research security policies, including training and disclosure requirements. - The program supports a wide range of research topics and encourages interdisciplinary, innovative approaches. - For information on specialized funding opportunities (CAREER, REU, RUI, RAPID, EAGER), visit the [NSF cross-cutting funding page](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_list.jsp?type=xcut). --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Description](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505704) - [NSF Law & Science Program](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/ls-law-science) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg) - [Browse funded projects](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/search-results?ProgEleCode=128Y00&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results) - [NSF Research.gov](https://www.research.gov/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Organization | |-------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------|--------------| | Jan E. Leighley | [jleighle@nsf.gov](mailto:jleighle@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-2496 | SBE/SES | | James I. Walsh | [jwalsh@nsf.gov](mailto:jwalsh@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-4689 | SBE/SES | | NSF Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | | |

Law & Science

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