Law Science

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. Operating under the U.S. government, NSF funds a wide range of research initiatives aimed at advancing the nation's scientific knowledge and workforce. Among its programs is the Law & Science (LS) Program, administered by the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE), specifically through the Division of Social and Economic Sciences (SBE/SES). This program fosters interdisciplinary research exploring the intersection of law, human behavior, and scientific applications within legal contexts. The primary objective of the Law & Science Program is to support social scientific studies that examine law and law-like systems of rules, including the dynamic relationship between legal institutions and human behavior. The program also funds research into the application of science and technology in legal settings. Proposals must be grounded in scientific theory and aim to deepen the understanding of legal systems and processes through the lens of social science. The interdisciplinary nature of the program encourages methodologies that span fields such as sociology, political science, psychology, computer science, and engineering. The LS Program supports a broad array of research topics. These include, but are not limited to, crime and policing, cyberspace, economic regulation, environmental law, evidentiary standards, forensic science, governance, comparative law, biotechnology regulation, and ethical considerations in emerging technologies. Proposals may also explore the legal decision-making process, legal mobilization, human rights, and the role of scientific evidence in litigation. This wide scope reflects the program’s commitment to funding studies that address critical, evolving issues at the nexus of law and science. Applicants may submit proposals for standard research grants, collaborative research projects, or conference awards. Additionally, the LS Program is integrated into cross-cutting NSF opportunities such as the CAREER Program, Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), Research at Undergraduate Institutions (RUI), as well as the RAPID and EAGER programs. Applications may be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov, with specific submission guidelines based on the selected portal. All proposals must adhere to the current NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) requirements. The program does not set a fixed deadline for submissions; instead, it accepts full proposals at any time. There are no indications of a pre-application deadline or formal letter of intent requirement. The absence of a final submission deadline, combined with continuous proposal acceptance, indicates the program operates on a non-rolling but open submission model. While the program does not specify exact award amounts or ceilings, eligibility spans a wide range of institutions and individuals involved in academic and scientific research. Primary contacts for the LS Program are Jan E. Leighley (jleighle@nsf.gov, 703-292-2496) and James I. Walsh (jwalsh@nsf.gov, 703-292-4689). Interested applicants are encouraged to explore NSF’s Cross-cutting and NSF-wide Active Funding Opportunities homepage for additional engagement and resources. As of the latest publication, proposals remain subject to updated award terms and conditions effective October 1, 2024, aligned with the revised OMB guidance on federal financial assistance published on April 22, 2024.