The "Developmental Sciences (DS)" program by the National Science Foundation (NSF) supports fundamental research aimed at understanding various aspects of human development, including perceptual, cognitive, linguistic, social, cultural, and biological processes across the lifespan. This research aims to advance knowledge about the processes that support social, cognitive, and behavioral functioning, ultimately enhancing individuals' ability to live productive lives as members of society. The program funds basic research but explicitly excludes clinical trials or research focused primarily on health outcomes.

The Developmental Sciences program encourages the use of multidisciplinary, multi-method, and longitudinal approaches to studying developmental processes. Research can encompass a wide variety of influences, including family, peers, schools, culture, genetics, and epigenetics, and should aim to integrate different processes and levels of analysis. Projects should ideally involve innovative, transformative research plans, including the development of new theories, methods, and models for studying development. A broad range of populations, from infants to aging adults, as well as non-human animals, are considered relevant subjects for this type of research.

The program allows for significant variability in project budgets and durations, depending on the nature of the project. Typical awards are for three years, with a total cost budget between $100,000 and $200,000 per year. The program also supports smaller grants for conferences and workshops, which typically have a budget of around $35,000. Proposals for these events are considered on a case-by-case basis and require an invitation from the Program Directors. Researchers can submit proposals for the following deadlines: July 30, 2024, January 30, 2025, and annually thereafter on January 30.

Eligibility for this program includes institutions of higher education in the U.S., nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, for-profit entities, and tribal nations. Principal Investigators (PIs) must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent qualifications. The NSF encourages proposals that include participants from underrepresented groups in STEM, such as individuals from minority-serving institutions, women’s colleges, and institutions that primarily serve people with disabilities. In fact, NSF places a strong emphasis on promoting equity and diversity in STEM, and proposals are expected to describe how these values will be incorporated into the research process.

The program employs a merit review process, assessing proposals based on their intellectual merit and broader societal impacts. Intellectual merit includes the potential of the proposed research to advance knowledge, while broader impacts focus on the benefits to society and contributions to achieving societal outcomes. Successful proposals must demonstrate creativity, sound research plans, and qualified team leadership. They are also expected to ensure equitable participation in the research team and effective use of resources.

The NSF encourages researchers to consult with program officers before submitting proposals, especially to ensure that the project aligns well with the Developmental Sciences program. The program also offers a range of supplemental funding options, such as those for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), career development, and rapid response research. These funding options are available to expand research opportunities and promote the integration of education and research.

For researchers interested in applying, proposals can be submitted through either Research.gov or Grants.gov. Applicants should carefully follow the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) to ensure compliance with submission requirements. Cost-sharing is not required for this grant, and submissions must be received by 5 p.m. local time on the deadline dates. For further details or inquiries, contact information for program officers is provided in the solicitation, including contact numbers and email addresses.