The National Science Foundation (NSF) Law & Science (LS) program supports social scientific studies examining the intersection of law, legal institutions, and human behavior, as well as the application of science and technology in legal contexts. This program encourages interdisciplinary and multi-methodological research that advances scientific theory and understanding of legal processes, institutions, and behaviors. Research topics within the program span multiple disciplines, including social sciences, biology, computer and information sciences, STEM education, engineering, and geosciences. The program seeks to fund studies that explore how law interacts dynamically with various social and scientific arenas, engaging multiple actors in legal processes.

Eligible applicants for the LS program include researchers conducting standard and collaborative research, as well as those organizing conferences related to law and science. Additionally, the program participates in various NSF-wide funding initiatives such as the Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program, Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), and Research at Undergraduate Institutions (RUI). Specialized funding mechanisms like Grants for Rapid Response Research (RAPID) and Early-Concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) are also available. These funding opportunities aim to foster research that contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of law’s interaction with human behavior and scientific advancement.

The LS program provides funding for research on topics such as crime, violence, policing, cyberspace, economic and environmental issues, forensic science, governance, courts, human rights, and legal decision-making. Other areas of interest include legal and ethical issues related to science, legal mobilization and justice, punishment and corrections, regulation of biotechnology, and the use of science in legal processes. These research areas reflect the program’s broad commitment to understanding the societal and scientific implications of legal systems and policies.

Applicants must submit proposals following NSF’s Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) if applying through Research.gov, or the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide if applying via Grants.gov. Proposals must adhere to the specified guidelines and submission requirements outlined in the relevant funding opportunity. Researchers are responsible for ensuring that their proposals comply with all requirements before submission. The NSF also provides additional resources for applicants, including guidance from program directors and information on previous awards funded through the program.

Proposals submitted to the LS program are evaluated based on their contribution to scientific understanding, methodological rigor, interdisciplinary approach, and broader impacts on law and society. Successful proposals demonstrate innovative research questions, robust theoretical frameworks, and well-designed methodologies that contribute to the field’s advancement. Additionally, applications may be assessed based on their potential to inform legal policy, enhance legal decision-making, or address pressing societal challenges related to law and science.

The LS program has target deadlines for proposal submissions, with upcoming dates on August 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026. These deadlines recur annually. Applicants should plan their submissions accordingly and consult the NSF website for any updates or changes to submission guidelines. The program directors, Reginald S. Sheehan and Susan F. Hirsch, are available for inquiries regarding proposal preparation and program priorities.

In addition to funding opportunities, the NSF provides access to past research funded through the LS program, allowing prospective applicants to review previously awarded projects. Further resources include partnerships with institutions such as Arizona State University’s Law and Science Dissertation Grant program and opportunities for high school students to engage in research assistantships. These initiatives underscore NSF’s commitment to fostering a robust research community at the intersection of law and science.