Science and Technology Studies
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for academic researchers studying the relationships between science, technology, and society. Eligible applicants include colleges, universities, and research institutions with significant research capacity. Principal investigators must hold faculty positions or equivalent research appointments. Projects should address how science and technology shape society and culture, or how social factors influence scientific and technological development. Grants support research, analysis, and knowledge dissemination in STS fields.
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Program description
Synopsis of Program:
Science and Technology Studies (STS) is an interdisciplinary field that investigates the conceptual foundations, historical developments and social contexts of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), including medical science. The STS program supports proposals across a broad spectrum of research that uses historical, philosophical and social scientific methods to investigate STEM theory and practice. STS research may be empirical or conceptual; specifically, it may focus on the intellectual, material or social facets of STEM.
Additional Resources
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 Research and Related (R&R) form
- Project Narrative (15 pages max)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (2 pages each)
- Current and Pending Support documentation
- Letters of Commitment from institutional partners
- Data Management Plan
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.075 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$38,357,018
-
$18,499,999
-
$13,999,656
-
$10,999,998
-
$8,043,354
-
$7,998,747
-
$5,500,000
-
$5,237,549
-
$5,200,000
-
$5,047,151
Top States by Funding
- MI 9 awards $94.1M
- DC 6 awards $20.0M
- AZ 7 awards $19.6M
- NY 9 awards $17.0M
- IL 4 awards $16.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.075). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $292,390,000 | |
| 2025 | $219,410,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $92,200,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Faculty researchers at accredited universities and research institutions. Graduate students and postdocs may apply as co-investigators under faculty supervision.
What deadline should I know about?
The deadline is August 3, 2026. Applications must be submitted through NSF's online system before 5 PM ET on that date.
What types of projects are supported?
Research examining science and technology in social, cultural, historical, or policy contexts. Projects can include archival work, interviews, analysis, and publication of findings.
How competitive is this program?
NSF programs are highly competitive. Fund recent similar projects and be specific about your research contribution. Strong institutional support and clear methodology strengthen applications.
What is the typical funding range?
Awards typically range from $100,000 to $400,000 depending on project scope and duration. Multi-year grants are common.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your research clearly with STS frameworks. Show how your work addresses core questions about science-technology-society interactions.
- Include a detailed methodology section. Explain your data collection and analysis approach in concrete terms.
- Secure institutional support early. Get letters from your university affirming research facilities and time allocation.
- Demonstrate broader impacts beyond academia. Explain how your research benefits policy, education, or public understanding.
- Use NSF's project outcomes database to review funded STS research. Learn what reviewers value in successful proposals.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Focusing too narrowly on science history or philosophy without connecting to contemporary policy or social questions. Underestimating review timelines and submitting incomplete budget justifications.
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