Developmental Sciences

The Developmental Sciences (DS) program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), operates under the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, specifically the Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences. This funding opportunity supports basic research to deepen understanding of developmental processes—cognitive, perceptual, linguistic, social, emotional, and biological—across the lifespan. The primary objective of the program is to enhance scientific knowledge that underlies human development, ultimately informing practices and policies that contribute to individual and societal well-being. The solicitation, NSF 24-544, replaces the earlier identifier PD 08-1698 and reflects updated submission procedures and program expectations as of February 14, 2024. Projects supported through this program are expected to be innovative and potentially transformative, addressing developmental processes from infancy through aging. Research may involve diverse populations including non-human animals, and should explore the influence of factors such as family, peers, culture, genetics, and media. Multidisciplinary approaches, new theoretical models, and longitudinal designs are encouraged. The program strictly supports basic research and excludes clinical trials and studies primarily focused on health outcomes. Proposals should include well-justified sampling strategies, diversity in study populations, and explicit discussion of generalizability. Equity-centered collaborations and inclusive participation are strongly encouraged. While the program does not have rigid budgetary ceilings, typical projects are funded for three years with budgets ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 annually, inclusive of direct and indirect costs. Larger budgets are accepted but must be well justified. Conference and workshop proposals, if invited by Program Directors, may also be funded up to approximately $35,000. Supplemental opportunities include REU, CAREER, EAGER, RAPID, and MCA, each with its own criteria. CAREER proposals, for instance, have a minimum budget of $400,000 and a maximum duration of five years. Proposals may be submitted by U.S.-based institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities with research capacity, tribal nations, state and local governments, and other federal entities. PIs must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent experience and be capable of conducting independent research. Only one proposal per PI or co-PI per submission deadline is allowed. Collaborative proposals may be submitted via Research.gov only. The application process requires submission through either Research.gov or Grants.gov. Full proposals are accepted twice per year—on January 30 and July 30—both recurring annually. There are no letters of intent or preliminary proposals required. While cost sharing is prohibited, indirect costs are permitted as governed by institutional agreements. Proposals are evaluated using NSF’s standard merit review criteria: Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. For guidance or inquiries, applicants may contact the program directors Anna V. Fisher (avfisher@nsf.gov, 703-292-8451) or Joseph C. Toscano (jctoscan@nsf.gov, 703-292-7220), or Business Operations Specialist Katia McCuen (kmccuen@nsf.gov, 703-292-2058). Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a one-page summary to confirm project fit with the program prior to submitting a full proposal. Additional resources, including the PAPPG and specific program requirements, can be found on the NSF website.

Submit 1-pg summary for feedback. Justify sample and budget. Review PAPPG.