Grant opportunity
NSF Developmental Sciences Program 2026
NSF's Developmental Sciences Program funds fundamental research on cognitive, linguistic, social, cultural and biological processes across the lifespan.
- Funder
- U.S. National Science Foundation
- Applications close 30 July 2026
- Applications close 30 July 2026: Jul 30, 2026
- Award
- USD 6.5 million programme; typical projects receive USD 100,000 to USD 200,000 per year for about three years
- Applicant
- Eligible U.S. organisations and researchers studying human development; international cooperation is permitted when the U.S. component meets NSF rules.
- Discipline
- Psychology and Behavioural Sciences
- Region
- United States / International collaboration
- Posted
- Jul 30, 2026
Call summary
Overview
NSF's Developmental Sciences Program funds fundamental research on cognitive, linguistic, social, cultural and biological processes across the lifespan.
Who can apply
Eligible U.S. organisations and researchers studying human development; international cooperation is permitted when the U.S. component meets NSF rules.
What it supports
- Cognitive and social development.
- Language and cultural development.
- Development across the lifespan.
Funding and duration
- The programme has about USD 6.5 million.
- Typical projects receive USD 100,000 to USD 200,000 annually for three years.
Applications close 30 July 2026
Applications close 30 July 2026: Jul 30, 2026
How to apply
Prepare the proposal under the NSF solicitation and submit through the official federal route.
Call details
Source-based overview
NSF's Developmental Sciences Program funds fundamental research on cognitive, linguistic, social, cultural and biological processes across the lifespan. The programme welcomes interdisciplinary and international collaboration led by an eligible U.S. organisation. Applicants should use the official call page for the final rules, required documents, eligible costs and submission route.
Eligibility
Eligible U.S. organisations and researchers studying human development; international cooperation is permitted when the U.S. component meets NSF rules.
Funding and benefits
The programme has about USD 6.5 million.
Typical projects receive USD 100,000 to USD 200,000 annually for three years.
Themes and supported activities
Cognitive and social development.
Language and cultural development.
Development across the lifespan.
Deadline and timeline
Applications close 30 July 2026: Applications close 30 July 2026: Jul 30, 2026.
Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.
How to apply
Prepare the proposal under the NSF solicitation and submit through the official federal route.
Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.