The National Science Foundation (NSF) offers the SBE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (SPRF) to promote independence in early-career researchers in the Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBE). These fellowships provide opportunities for advanced research and training under the guidance of a sponsoring scientist at a host institution. The program is structured into two tracks: Fundamental Research in the SBE Sciences (SPRF-FR) for foundational studies on human behavior and social systems, and Broadening Participation in the SBE Sciences (SPRF-BP) to increase diversity and inclusion in SBE fields. Each fellowship focuses on advancing the fellow's career development while addressing significant scientific questions.

The fellowship provides up to $80,000 annually, including a $65,000 stipend and a $15,000 research and training allowance, for a duration of up to 24 months. Proposals must outline a comprehensive research and training plan, detailing the project's relevance to the selected track and how the fellowship will enhance the fellow's career trajectory. Successful applicants may also receive institutional resources and mentoring to support their professional development. Proposals must include justification for the choice of host institution and sponsor, particularly if remaining at the fellow's current institution.

Eligibility is limited to individuals who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents and have obtained their Ph.D. in SBE sciences within the three years prior to the proposal deadline or expect to complete it within 12 months post-deadline. Applicants must not hold full-time tenure-track faculty appointments or submit the same research to another NSF program. Each fellow must identify a sponsoring scientist and a host institution, which can be academic or nonprofit organizations in the U.S. Fellows are encouraged to conduct their research at institutions different from their doctoral or current postdoctoral affiliation.

Proposals must be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov by the individual fellow rather than a host institution's office of sponsored research. Required documents include a project description, data management plan, budget justification, and letters of collaboration from key institutional partners. The host institution letter must affirm the adequacy of facilities, support, and mentorship for the fellow. Proposals must adhere to NSF’s merit review criteria, which emphasize intellectual merit and broader societal impacts, including fostering diversity in STEM fields.

Deadlines occur annually on the first Wednesday of November. For the 2023 cycle, proposals were due by November 1. Applications are reviewed by panels of disciplinary and interdisciplinary experts, with additional input sought when necessary. Decisions typically conclude within six months of submission. Successful applicants may begin their fellowship between June and September following the award year.

This fellowship program aligns with NSF's mission to advance science and engineering research and foster diversity in STEM. Award conditions specify that funds are paid directly to the fellow and not the host institution. Reporting requirements include annual and final project reports submitted via Research.gov. Further details, including program contacts and proposal preparation guidance, are available on the NSF website.