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Description

The Social Psychology Program at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) funds empirically driven, theoretically grounded research that advances fundamental explanations of human social behavior, attitudes, and experience. The program welcomes proposals that explore how macro- and micro-level social forces—including thought, motivation, emotion, neural, and physiological processes—shape human interactions and self-perception. Research with strong potential for groundbreaking discoveries, new theories, or innovative methods is especially encouraged, as is work addressing emerging global challenges.

Proposals involving non-human animals are considered only if they offer direct insights into human social behavior. The program does not support projects whose primary aim is clinical practice improvement or disease-related outcomes, including diagnosis or treatment of physical or mental illness.

The program accepts:

• Regular research proposals (including Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) proposals)
• Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) proposals
• Rapid Response Research (RAPID) and Early-Concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER)
• Small conference proposals (for events at least one year post-submission)

Doctoral dissertation improvement awards and mid-career advancement (MCA) awards are not accepted. Interdisciplinary and convergent research approaches are encouraged, and applicants may suggest co-review by other NSF programs.

The program prioritizes projects that:

• Are theoretically grounded and empirically validated
• Use appropriate and rigorous research designs (e.g., experiments, field studies, computational modeling)
• Offer strong societal benefits, enhance research infrastructure, promote STEM talent, and increase public engagement with science
• Include proactive plans for sharing results and data openly

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