The National Science Foundation (NSF) Science and Technology Studies (STS) program is an interdisciplinary initiative that supports research into the conceptual foundations, historical developments, and social contexts of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), including medical science. This program funds research that utilizes historical, philosophical, and social scientific methods to investigate various aspects of STEM theories and practices. The STS program is designed to encourage projects that explore ethics, equity, governance, and policy issues related to science and technology. The program supports multiple types of grants, including research grants, collaborative research grants, scholars’ awards, research community development grants, conference grants, and doctoral dissertation research improvement grants.

The purpose of the STS program is to enhance the understanding of the interactions between science, technology, and society by supporting rigorous interdisciplinary research. The program aims to analyze the production, dissemination, and societal impact of scientific knowledge, as well as how socio-cultural values influence technological advancements. Researchers funded by the STS program may employ various methodologies, such as empirical, historical, or conceptual analysis, to investigate these topics. The program places a strong emphasis on broadening participation in STEM by encouraging diversity, inclusion, and equitable access to research opportunities.

The STS program offers funding for projects that contribute to major societal concerns, including technological innovation, policy development, ethical considerations, and environmental sustainability. The program particularly supports interdisciplinary collaborations that integrate different perspectives to address complex socio-technical issues. Additionally, the program encourages research that examines how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, gene editing, and quantum computing can be developed and implemented in a manner that benefits society as a whole.

Eligibility for STS funding varies by grant type but generally includes U.S. institutions of higher education and U.S. nonprofit, non-academic organizations. Doctoral dissertation research improvement grants are available exclusively to U.S. institutions of higher education. There are no restrictions on the number of proposals an organization or individual can submit. Applicants are encouraged to review the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) to ensure their submissions comply with current requirements.

Applications must be submitted through either Research.gov or Grants.gov. The deadlines for full proposals are annually on February 2 for most grant types and August 3 for doctoral dissertation research improvement grants. Applicants must submit a comprehensive research proposal that clearly outlines the project’s objectives, methodologies, anticipated broader impacts, and budgetary details. A strong proposal should also demonstrate how the research contributes to the broader field of Science and Technology Studies and advances knowledge in STEM.

Evaluation of proposals is conducted through NSF’s merit review process, which assesses projects based on intellectual merit and broader impacts. Intellectual merit includes the potential of the project to advance knowledge in the field, while broader impacts evaluate the project's potential benefits to society. Reviewers consider the qualifications of the research team, the feasibility of the project plan, and the overall significance of the proposed research.

The anticipated funding for the program is approximately $6.2 million annually, supporting an estimated 40 awards. Individual award amounts vary depending on grant type, with standard research and collaborative grants generally capped at $750,000, scholars’ awards at $350,000, and doctoral dissertation research improvement grants at $25,000. The program does not require cost-sharing or matching funds. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult with program officers before submitting proposals to ensure alignment with program goals and requirements.