The National Science Foundation

The NSF is currently accepting proposals for the following competitive programs:

• The Human Language and Communication (HLC) Program:  Focus on the program is on advancing the state of the art in text and speech processing, as well as in multi-modal communication.  In this vein, the program supports research and related education activities fundamental to the development of computer systems capable of analyzing, understanding, and generating language, speech, and other forms of communication that humans use naturally across a wide variety of situations. The program's ultimate objective is to transform the human-computer communication experience so that users can address a computer at any time and any place at least as effectively as if they were addressing another person.   Deadline:  December 6 annually; see program solicitation for eligibility requirements and proposal preparation and submission guidelines.
  
  
• Methodology, Measurement, and Statistics Program(MMS):  In order to facilitate the development of innovative methods and models for understanding complex social and behavioral science phenomena, the MMS Program and the Statistics and Probability Program support a limited number of mid-career research fellowships, research on survey and statistical methodology, and doctoral dissertation improvement grants in the social, behavioral, economic, and statistical sciences. Deadline:  August 16, 2006; see web site for eligibility criteria and proposal prepartion and submission guidelines.
  
  
• The Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences (BCS):  Supports research to develop and advance scientific knowledge focusing on human cognition, language, social behavior and culture, as well as research on the interactions between human societies and the physical environment.  BCS programs consider proposals that fall squarely within disciplines, but they also encourage and support interdisciplinary projects, which are evaluated through joint review among Programs in BCS, as well as joint review with programs in other Divisions, and NSF-wide multi-disciplinary panels, as appropriate.  All programs in BCS consider proposals for research projects, conferences, and workshops. Some programs also consider proposals for doctoral dissertation improvement assistance, the acquisition of specialized research and computing equipment, group international travel, and large-scale data collection. BCS participates in special initiatives and competitions on a number of topics, including the human dimensions of global change, cognitive science and intelligent systems, and infrastructure to improve data resources, data archives, collaboratories, and centers.   Deadline:  see BCS site for target dates and individual program announcements (below) for proposal preparation and submission guidelines.  The following disciplines are supported under the BCS program:
  
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  • Cultural Anthropology (doctoral dissertation improvement grant)
  • Physical Anthropology Program (doctoral dissertation improvement grant) 
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Developmental and Learning Sciences
  • Geography and Regional Science Program (doctoral dissertation improvement grant) 
  • Linguistics Program (doctoral dissertation improvement grants)
  • Perception, Action and Cognition Program
  • Social Psychology Program 
    
    
  Archaelogy (doctoral dissertation improvement grant)    
• The Division of Social and Economic Sciences (SES):  Supports research to develop and advance scientific knowledge focusing on economic, legal, political and social systems, organizations and institutions.  In addition, SES supports research on the intellectual and social contexts that govern the development and use of science and technology.  SES programs consider proposals that fall squarely within disciplines, but they also encourage and support interdisciplinary projects, which are evaluated through joint review among Programs in SES, as well as joint review with programs in other Divisions, and NSF-wide multi-disciplinary panels, as appropriate.  All programs in SES consider proposals for research projects, conferences, and workshops. Some programs also consider proposals for doctoral dissertation improvement assistance, the acquisition of specialized research and computing equipment, group international travel, and large-scale data collection. SES participates in special initiatives and competitions on a number of topics, including human dimensions of global change, and infrastructure to improve data resources, data archives, collaboratories, and centers.  Deadline:  see SES site for target dates and individual program announcements (below) for proposal preparation and submission guidelines.  The following disciplines are supported under the SES program: 
  
  • Decision, Risk, and Management Science Program (doctoral dissertation improvement grant)
  • Economics Program (doctoral dissertation improvement grant)
  • Geography and Regional Science Program (doctoral dissertation improvement grant)
  • Innovation and Organizational Change Program
  • Law and Social Science Program  (doctoral dissertation improvement grant
  • Methodology, Measurement, and Statistics Program (doctoral dissertation research grant -- see solicitation)
  • Political Science Program (doctoral dissertation improvement grant)
  • Science and Technology Studies Program (doctoral dissertation improvment grant)
  • Societal Dimensions of Engineering, Science, and Technology Program 
  • Sociology Program (doctoral dissertation improvement grant)
    

    Further information on proposal development, target dates, and review procedures may be obtained from appropriate program officers.