(NSF) Developmental Sciences (DS)

The Developmental Sciences project supports basic research that increases our understanding of cognitive, linguistic, social, cultural, and biological processes related to human development across the lifespan. Research supported by this program will add to our knowledge of the underlying developmental processes that support social, cognitive, and behavioral functioning, thereby illuminating ways for individuals to live productive lives as members of society. DS supports research that addresses developmental processes within the domains of cognitive, social, emotional, and motor development across the lifespan by working with any appropriate populations for the topics of interest including infants, children, adolescents, adults, and non-human animals. The program also supports research investigating factors that affect developmental change including family, peers, school, community, culture, media, physical, genetic, and epigenetic influences. The budgets and durations of supported projects vary widely and are greatly influenced by the nature of the project. Investigators should focus on innovative, potentially transformative research plans and then develop a budget to support those activities, rather than starting with a budget number and working up to that value. A typical project funded through the DS program is approximately 3 years in duration with a total budget, including both direct and indirect costs, between $100,000 and $200,000 per year. The DS program also accepts proposals for workshops and small conferences. These typically have total budgets, including direct and indirect costs, of approximately $35,000. In addition, it is often useful for interested applicants to submit a one-page summary page so the Program Director can advise the investigator on the fit of the project for DS prior to preparation of a full proposal. New Investigators are encouraged to solicit assistance in the preparation of their proposals via consultation with senior researchers in their area, pre-submission review by colleagues, and events at professional conferences geared towards educating investigators seeking federal funding.