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

July 30, 2024 | January 30, 2025 | July 30, 2025 | July 30, 2026 | January 30, 2027

Typical project: $100,000–$200,000 per year for ~3 years; total program funding approx. $6.5M/year; conference proposals ~$35,000.

Supports basic research on human development processes across the lifespan, emphasizing perceptual, cognitive, social, and biological mechanisms.

--- ## Description This program supports fundamental research aimed at increasing understanding of perceptual, cognitive, linguistic, social, cultural, and biological processes involved in human development throughout the lifespan. Projects may focus on any developmental stage—from infancy through aging—and include studies of non-human animals where relevant. Research can address domains such as perception, cognition, emotion, language, social and motor development, and the influences of family, peers, school, community, genetics, and culture. The program encourages multidisciplinary, multi-method, and longitudinal approaches, as well as the development of novel methods, models, and theories. Proposals should advance knowledge of developmental mechanisms and processes; clinical trials and research focused primarily on health outcomes are not eligible. --- ## Due Dates - July 30, 2024: Full proposal deadline - January 30, 2025: Full proposal deadline - July 30, 2025: Full proposal deadline - July 30, 2026: Full proposal deadline / current closing date - January 30, 2027: Next occurrence of recurring annual deadline (January 30, annually thereafter) --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: ~$6,500,000 per year - Typical research project: $100,000–$200,000 per year, usually for three years ($300,000–$600,000 total) - Conference/workshop proposals: typically up to $35,000 - Awards significantly above the typical range may be returned without review - Approximately 12 awards are anticipated annually, subject to availability of funds --- ## Eligibility - **Institutions of Higher Education:** Accredited U.S. two- and four-year institutions (including community colleges), acting on behalf of their faculty - **Non-profit, non-academic organizations:** U.S.-based museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies, etc. - **For-profit organizations:** U.S.-based commercial entities, including small businesses, with strong research or education capabilities - **State and Local Governments:** State educational offices, organizations, and local school districts - **Tribal Nations:** Federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribes, bands, nations, pueblos, villages, or communities - **Other Federal Agencies and FFRDCs:** Must follow NSF guidelines; contact program before applying - **Foreign organizations:** Support limited to U.S. portion of collaborative projects - **PI/Co-PI Requirements:** Must have a Ph.D. or equivalent education/experience; undergraduate and graduate students may be included in research but not as PI/co-PI or senior/key personnel - **Proposal Limits:** An individual may be listed as PI, co-PI, faculty associate, or subaward lead on only one proposal per deadline; may be listed as collaborator/consultant on one additional proposal --- ## Application Process - **Submission Platforms:** Proposals may be submitted via [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov) - **Letters of Intent/Preliminary Proposals:** Not required - **Full Proposal:** Prepare according to the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg) - **Conference proposals:** Only by invitation from Program Directors - **Budget Guidance:** Proposals should be budgeted based on the needs of the research, not to fit a predetermined amount; proposals with budgets significantly outside the typical range may be returned without review - **Review Criteria:** Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts, per NSF guidelines --- ## Additional Information - Proposals from Minority Serving Institutions, Primarily Undergraduate Institutions, two-year colleges, and EPSCoR jurisdictions are encouraged - The program welcomes projects that broaden participation of underrepresented or underserved groups in STEM - New investigators are encouraged to consult with program officers before submitting a full proposal (a one-page summary is recommended) - The program does not fund clinical trials or projects primarily focused on health outcomes - For collaborative projects, only the U.S. portion is eligible for NSF funding --- ## External Links - [Program Solicitation & Details](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/ds-developmental-sciences/nsf24-544/solicitation) - [NSF Publication 24-544](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf24544) - [NSF Awards Database (examples of funded projects)](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=1698&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [Apply via Grants.gov](https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/jsf/workspace/createWorkspace.faces?activityID=CreateWorkspace&cleanSession=1&oppId=352455) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role/Area | Email | Phone | |----------------------|--------------------------|------------------------------|---------------| | Anna V. Fisher | Program Director | [avfisher@nsf.gov](mailto:avfisher@nsf.gov) | 703-292-8451 | | Joseph C. Toscano | Program Director | [jctoscan@nsf.gov](mailto:jctoscan@nsf.gov) | 703-292-7220 | | Katia McCuen | Business Operations | [kmccuen@nsf.gov](mailto:kmccuen@nsf.gov) | 703-292-2058 | | NSF Grants.gov Support | Technical/application | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | | | NSF Information Center | General inquiries | [info@nsf.gov](mailto:info@nsf.gov) | 703-292-5111 | ---

Developmental Sciences

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