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

November 1, 2025 (Full Proposal)

Up to $69,000 per year for up to 2 years; typical total program funding ~$3,000,000 annually; 15–20 awards/year

Supports early-career postdoctoral researchers in the social, behavioral, and economic sciences to foster research independence and career development.

--- ## Description The NSF Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) offers Postdoctoral Research Fellowships to promote research independence and career development for recent doctoral graduates. The program supports research and training plans addressing key scientific questions in the SBE fields, with two tracks available: Fundamental Research (SPRF-FR) and Broadening Participation (SPRF-BP). The fellowship is intended to encourage new scientists to pursue academic, industry, or government careers by providing funding for independent research and advanced training under the guidance of a sponsoring scientist at a U.S. host institution. --- ## Due Dates - Full Proposal Deadline: November 1, 2025 (and annually thereafter) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $69,000 per year for up to two years (total maximum: $138,000 per fellow) - $54,000 annual stipend (paid directly to the fellow) - $15,000 annual research and training allowance (for research expenses, professional development, and fringe benefits) - Approximately $3,000,000 in total annual program funding - Estimated 15–20 awards per year --- ## Eligibility - **Who May Apply:** Individuals (not institutions); proposals are submitted directly by the fellowship candidate. - **Citizenship:** U.S. citizens, nationals, or legally admitted permanent resident aliens as of the application deadline. - **Degree Requirements:** Doctoral degree in an SBE field obtained within 36 months before the application deadline, or expected within 10 months after the deadline. - **Employment Status:** Not currently in a full-time tenure-track faculty position. - **Other Restrictions:** Cannot submit the same research to another NSF program. - **Host Institution:** U.S. institutions of higher education (2- or 4-year, including community colleges) or eligible non-profit, non-academic organizations (e.g., museums, research labs). Research is generally expected to be conducted at an institution other than the candidate’s doctoral or current postdoctoral institution, but exceptions are allowed with justification. - **Sponsoring Scientist:** Required; must be affiliated with the host institution. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Proposals must be submitted electronically by the individual applicant via [NSF FastLane](https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/), [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov/), or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/). - **Registration:** Applicants must register as individuals on the chosen submission platform. - **Proposal Components:** - Cover Sheet (with candidate and sponsor details) - Project Summary (1 page) - Project Description/Research and Training Plan (up to 13 pages) - Biographical Sketches (up to 2 pages each for candidate and sponsor) - Budget and Budget Justification - References Cited - Current and Pending Support - Facilities, Equipment, and Other Resources - Collaborators and Other Affiliations - Supplementary Documentation (Data Management Plan, Dissertation Abstract, Postdoctoral Mentoring Plan) - **Tracks:** Applicants select either the Fundamental Research (SPRF-FR) or Broadening Participation (SPRF-BP) track; each has specific requirements for proposal content. - **Review Criteria:** Intellectual merit and broader impacts, plus track-specific considerations. --- ## Additional Information - **No cost sharing or matching required.** - **Fellowship is awarded to the individual, not the institution; funds are paid directly to the fellow.** - **Fellowships may not be renewed.** - **Fellows may supplement their funding with non-federal funds, provided no additional responsibilities are required.** - **International research activities are permitted.** - **Annual and final project reports are required.** --- ## External Links - [NSF SBE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships Program Page](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/sprf-sbe-postdoctoral-research-fellowships) - [Full Solicitation (NSF 18-584)](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/sprf-sbe-postdoctoral-research-fellowships/nsf18-584/solicitation) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title/Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------------|------------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------| | Josie S. Welkom Miranda | Program Director | jwelkom@nsf.gov | (703) 292-7376 | | Lisa M. Jackson | Program Specialist | lmjackso@nsf.gov | (703) 292-7882 | | NSF Information Center | General Inquiries | nsfpubs@nsf.gov | (703) 292-5111 | | FastLane/Research.gov Help| Technical Support | fastlane@nsf.gov / rgov@nsf.gov | 1-800-673-6188 | | Grants.gov Contact Center | Technical Support | support@grants.gov | 1-800-518-4726 |

SBE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

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