Law & Science

The Law & Science (LS) Program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the Division of Social and Economic Sciences within the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, supports scientific research on the interplay between law, legal systems, and science and technology. The NSF is an independent federal agency promoting scientific advancement across disciplines in the United States. The LS program operates under this mission to fund interdisciplinary and methodologically diverse social science studies exploring how law shapes and is shaped by human behavior, institutions, and scientific progress. The LS Program prioritizes research that enhances theoretical and empirical understanding of legal systems and processes. It supports investigations into law and law-like systems of rules, legal institutions, decision-making, mobilization, and conceptions of justice. Studies may examine how science and technology intersect with the legal domain in areas such as forensic science, evidentiary standards, biotechnology regulation (e.g., gene editing or synthetic biology), and the legal implications of emerging technologies. Research is often cross-disciplinary, incorporating fields such as economics, sociology, political science, information science, and STEM disciplines. Funding is available in several formats: standard research grants, collaborative research grants, and conference awards. Additionally, the LS Program participates in NSF-wide cross-cutting initiatives, including the CAREER program, RAPID and EAGER grants, Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), and Research at Undergraduate Institutions (RUI). These mechanisms broaden the impact and inclusivity of LS-funded research by allowing diverse applicant institutions and research modes. Applicants must adhere to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) and may submit through either Research.gov or Grants.gov, depending on their preference and institutional setup. All proposals are expected to comply with submission guidelines and deadlines applicable at the time of submission. While the program currently does not list an active due date, it is awaiting a new publication under program PD 21-128Y. Proposals undergo peer review, emphasizing scientific merit and potential to contribute to theoretical advancement. The LS Program does not currently impose matching requirements, and no specific funding ceiling or floor is stated in the published program information. However, applicants are encouraged to review similar NSF award levels and consult with the listed program contacts for guidance. Program officials Jan E. Leighley ([email protected], 703-292-2496) and James I. Walsh ([email protected], 703-292-4689) are available for inquiries. The program is national in scope, with no state-specific restrictions, and welcomes proposals from eligible organizations as defined by NSF standards. The absence of an active deadline suggests that applicants should monitor for updates or engage in early communication with program officers to plan for the next cycle.