U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences Broad Agency Announcement for Basic Research (Fiscal Year 2026)
U.S. Army Research Institute seeks basic research proposals in behavioral science for FY2026 focusing on improving soldier capabilities and development processes.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command has archived this opportunity.
Funder: Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command
Due Dates: February 23, 2025 (Questions on white papers) | March 9, 2025 (White papers) | June 15, 2025 (Questions on proposals) | July 1, 2025 (Full proposals)
Funding Amounts: Standard awards: typically ~$750,000 over 3 years; Early Career: ~$125,000 for 1 year; STIR: up to $60,000 for 1 year; no set minimum/maximum.
Summary: Supports basic research in behavioral and social sciences to advance Army personnel readiness, focusing on measurement, teams, organizations, and learning.
Key Information: White paper submission is strongly encouraged but not required; open to international applicants (with some restrictions).
Description
This opportunity, issued by the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI), seeks proposals for basic research that will provide a scientific foundation for improving the Army’s ability to acquire, develop, employ, and retain soldiers and leaders. The program is designed to address long-term personnel readiness and performance challenges through foundational research in behavioral and social sciences.
Research should be basic in nature (not applied or focused on specific technology development or training program evaluation) and should aim to advance theory, methods, or models relevant to Army personnel, teams, organizations, and learning processes. Multidisciplinary and high-risk/high-reward projects are encouraged.
The program is organized around four strategic research domains:
- Measurement of Individuals and Collectives: Advanced psychometric theory, new assessment methods, and measurement of complex behaviors.
- Teams and Small Groups: Team composition, adaptation, formation, and performance, including dynamics of rapidly formed or heterogeneous teams.
- Organizations and Systems: Multilevel theory and methods for understanding organizational culture, identity, and processes in complex, adaptive systems.
- Formal and Informal Learning and Development: Models and measures of learning and development across the career span, including self-directed and technology-enabled learning.
Proposals may be submitted as standard research projects, Early Career Proposals (ECP), or Short-Term Innovative Research (STIR) projects.
