SBE Programs

The majority of funding in the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) is awarded through core research programs housed in its divisions and offices. Contact the program director(s) listed on any program webpage to ask questions or get feedback on whether the program is a good fit for your research.

You can also visit the Funding at NSF page to learn more about opportunities aimed at students and researchers based on career stage and information about preparing and submitting a proposal. Visit the Funding Search page to explore all NSF funding opportunities.

Proposals are evaluated through the merit review process outlined in the Proposal Award Policies and Procedures Guide.

Research Infrastructure in the Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Research Infrastructure in the Social and Behavioral Sciences (RISBS) program supports projects that create computational tools and data to facilitate basic research in the social and behavioral sciences. The program includes three key longitudinal surveys and panel studies that are administered through separate solicitations

• American National Election Study
• General Social Survey
• Panel Study of Income Dynamics

Prospective PIs may also be interested in the Human Networks and Data Science Program — Infrastructure (HNDS-I).

The National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) conducts periodic surveys to assess trends in the science and engineering enterprise in areas that include:

• Government funding for science and engineering
• Higher education research and development
• Research and development
• Science and engineering workforce
• STEM education

See all NCSES surveys.