Supporting basic research on human developmental processes across the lifespan, including cognition, social interactions, and biological influences, with budgets typically $100k-$200k per year.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: July 30, 2024 | January 30, 2025 | July 30, 2025 | July 30, 2026 | January 30, 2027
Funding Amounts: Typical project: $100,000–$200,000 per year for ~3 years; total program funding approx. $6.5M/year; conference proposals ~$35,000.
Summary: Supports basic research on human development processes across the lifespan, emphasizing perceptual, cognitive, social, and biological mechanisms.
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.