Social Psychology
About
The Social Psychology Program at NSF supports theoretically focused empirical investigations that advance fundamental social psychological explanations of human behavior, attitudes, and experience. Synopsis The Social Psychology Program invites research and infrastructure proposals that advance knowledge of how human behavior is influenced by macro- and micro-level social forces, including how thought, motivation, emotion, neural, and physiological processes explain ways of thinking about and relating to self and others. Proposed research should carry strong potential for groundbreaking discoveries about the power of social dynamics to shape peoples’ attitudes, behavior, and experience. Basic research that connects to emerging and ongoing global challenges is especially encouraged. Proposals that develop new theories or methods are highly encouraged. Proposals involving non-human animals are considered only if the research offers clear and direct contributions to understanding human social behavior. Note: Proposals may be returned without review if the primary goal of the research is to improve clinical practice as its primary outcome, or contains disease-related goals, including work on the etiology, diagnosis or treatment of physical or mental illness or disease, medical abnormality, or clinical interventions. In assessing intellectual merit, the Social Psychology Program places highest priority on research that is theoretically grounded, based on empirical observatio.
The Social Psychology Program at the National Science Foundation (NSF) funds theoretically grounded empirical research that advances fundamental understanding of how human behavior, attitudes, and experiences are shaped by social forces. This program is designed for researchers and academic institutions investigating the intersection of social dynamics, psychological processes, and human behavior. Funding supports basic research that explores macro- and micro-level social influences, including how thought, motivation, emotion, neural, and physiological processes explain human interaction and self-perception. The program especially encourages proposals that develop new theories or methodologies, connect to emerging global challenges, and demonstrate potential for groundbreaking discoveries about social dynamics. This is an ideal funding opportunity for academic researchers, social scientists, and research institutions seeking to advance fundamental knowledge in social psychology without a primary focus on clinical applications. Researchers should note that proposals with clinical practice improvement or disease-related goals as primary outcomes are not accepted. Applications involving non-human animals are considered only when research directly contributes to understanding human social behavior.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
July 15, 2026
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by cycle
Deadline
2026-07-15
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual
Best For
Academic researchers, universities, and research institutions conducting fundamental social psychology research
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Social Psychology?
Eligibility details are not fully specified in available information. Typically, NSF grants support research institutions, universities, and researchers. Contact the NSF Social Psychology Program directly or visit the official NSF website for current eligibility requirements, including institutional type, researcher credentials, and any geographic or citizenship restrictions.
How much funding does Social Psychology provide?
Specific funding amounts are not listed in available program information. Grant amounts vary by cycle and proposal scope. For current funding ranges and budget guidelines, consult the official NSF Social Psychology Program solicitation or contact NSF directly.
How do I apply for Social Psychology?
Applications are submitted through the NSF's Grants.gov portal or the NSF FastLane system. Applicants should review the current program solicitation for specific submission requirements, required documentation, and formatting guidelines. The next deadline is July 15, 2026. Visit the official NSF website for detailed application instructions and to confirm all current requirements.
What can Social Psychology funding be used for?
Funding supports theoretically focused empirical research investigating human behavior influenced by social forces, new theories and methodologies in social psychology, and research exploring the neural and physiological processes underlying social behavior. Proposals connecting basic research to emerging global challenges are encouraged. Funding cannot be used for research with clinical practice improvement or disease treatment as primary outcomes.
Last updated: July 5, 2026