The National Science Foundation (NSF) Developmental Sciences (DS) program, under solicitation NSF 24-544, funds research to enhance understanding of human development across the lifespan. The program supports basic research on perceptual, cognitive, linguistic, social, cultural, and biological processes related to development, seeking to contribute to knowledge on how individuals function socially, cognitively, and behaviorally. This funding opportunity encourages innovative, interdisciplinary research using diverse methodologies, including multi-method and longitudinal approaches. The program emphasizes integration across various developmental domains, such as memory, perception, emotion, cognition, and motor skills. Proposals are expected to generate insights into fundamental developmental mechanisms rather than focusing on clinical trials or health outcomes.

The purpose of the program is to advance scientific understanding of developmental processes through rigorous research that may inform educational, social, and cognitive science applications. The NSF strongly encourages projects that incorporate diverse populations, including underrepresented groups, and support equitable participation in research. The DS program prioritizes research that examines various factors affecting development, including genetics, epigenetics, family, peers, school environments, cultural influences, and media exposure.

Funding is available for standard and continuing grants, with an estimated program budget of $6,500,000 and approximately 12 awards expected annually. Typical research project budgets range between $100,000 and $200,000 per year for three years, though proposals exceeding this range may be returned without review. The program also considers proposals for workshops and small conferences with budgets around $35,000. In addition to research grants, the DS program supports Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) supplements, early-career faculty development awards, and interdisciplinary research initiatives.

Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education (IHEs), including two- and four-year colleges and universities within the U.S., as well as independent non-profit research institutions, for-profit organizations engaged in research, state and local governments, and federally recognized tribal nations. While international collaborations are possible, NSF funds can only support the U.S. portion of the work. Proposals must be submitted by institutions on behalf of faculty researchers, with principal investigators required to have a Ph.D. or equivalent qualifications.

The application process follows NSF's Proposal and Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) and must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov. Proposals are reviewed based on intellectual merit and broader societal impacts, with consideration given to methodological rigor, innovation, potential contributions to the field, and broader community engagement. Applications undergo an external peer-review process, and decisions are made based on scientific merit, feasibility, and alignment with program priorities.

The upcoming deadlines for proposal submissions are July 30, 2024, January 30, 2025, and annually thereafter on the same dates. Researchers interested in applying are encouraged to contact NSF program officers for guidance, especially if submitting conference proposals, which require prior approval. For more information, applicants should refer to the full program solicitation and relevant NSF resources.