Sociology

The Sociology Program of the National Science Foundation (NSF) is part of the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, under the Division of Social and Economic Sciences. The program provides support for basic research on all forms of human social organization, including societies, institutions, groups, and demographic trends. Its central focus is on understanding the causes and consequences of human behavior, social change, and organizational dynamics. NSF emphasizes theoretically grounded, empirical research that advances knowledge of social processes and methods. The program scope is broad, encompassing research on organizations and organizational behavior, population dynamics, labor force participation, social mobility, social networks, family dynamics, socialization, social movements, and the sociology of science and technology. Projects may involve either original data collection or secondary data analysis, using qualitative and quantitative methods. The program also welcomes projects that advance methodological innovation and data collection or analysis techniques. To submit a proposal, principal investigators must select program designation PD 98-1331 on the proposal cover sheet. Applications are accepted at any time. Proposals are reviewed using NSF’s two standard evaluation criteria: intellectual merit and broader impacts. To be competitive, projects must be theoretically grounded, empirically based or subject to empirical validation, methodologically appropriate, and demonstrative of clear contributions to the understanding of social processes and structures. The Sociology Program does not list specific funding ceilings, award floors, or total program amounts in its announcement. Funding varies depending on the nature and scope of projects, as is typical for NSF discipline-based programs. Similarly, the number of awards expected is not predetermined. NSF emphasizes broadening participation by underrepresented groups, institutions, and regions in the sciences, making inclusivity a key consideration in funded projects. Proposals must adhere to the requirements of the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) for the relevant due date. Submissions may be completed through Research.gov or Grants.gov, depending on applicant preference. Applicants are responsible for ensuring compliance with all requirements. There is no pre-application deadline, and the program does not operate under a fixed annual cycle since proposals are accepted year-round. Contacts for the Sociology Program include Program Directors Joseph Whitmeyer (jwhitmey@nsf.gov, 703-292-7808), Antwan Jones (aajones@nsf.gov, 703-292-4973), and Mamadi Corra (mcorra@nsf.gov, 703-292-7149). Applicants may reach out to these program officers with questions related to program fit, eligibility, or proposal development. NSF headquarters is located at 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314, with general inquiries handled via the main office line at 703-292-5111. The Sociology Program remains open with full proposals accepted at any time, meaning there is no fixed close date. Because it is an ongoing NSF program, it is considered a recurring opportunity. Researchers planning to apply in the future should check for updates in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide and ensure compliance with evolving research security requirements, including annual certification policies and disclosure expectations issued by NSF in July 2025.