The National Science Foundation (NSF) awards grants to doctoral students to improve the quality of dissertation research. These grants allow doctoral students to undertake significant data-gathering projects and to conduct field research in settings away from their campus which would not otherwise be possible. Proposals are judged on the basis of their scientific merit, including the theoretical importance of the research question and the appropriateness of the proposed data and methodology to be used in addressing the question.
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Many programs in the seven NSF directorates accept doctoral dissertation improvement grant proposals. Requirements vary across programs, so applicants are advised to consult the relevant program's solicitation and instructions.
Archaeology & Archaeometry
The Archaeology & Archaeometry Program provides funding for research that furthers anthropologically relevant archaeological knowledge. The program sets no priorities based on time period, geographic region or specific research topic. Full proposals are accepted anytime.
Biological Anthropology
The Biological Anthropology Program supports multifaceted research that works to advance scientific knowledge of human biology and ecology, including the understanding of our evolutionary history and mechanisms that have shaped human and nonhuman primate biological diversity. Full proposals are due in January and July annually.
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The Decision, Risk and Management Sciences Program supports scientific research directed at increasing the understanding and effectiveness of decision making by individuals, groups, organizations, and society. Disciplinary and interdisciplinary research, doctoral dissertation research improvement grants (DDRIGs), and workshops are funded in the areas of judgment and decision making; decision analysis and decision aids; risk analysis, perception, and communication; societal and public policy decision making; management science and organizational design. DDRIG proposals are due in January and August annually.
Economics
The Economics Program supports research designed to improve the understanding of the processes and institutions of the U.S. economy and of the world system of which it is a part. This program also strengthens both empirical and theoretical economic analysis as well as the methods for rigorous research on economic behavior. It supports research in almost every area of economics, including econometrics, economic history, environmental economics, finance, industrial organization, international economics, labor economics, macroeconomics, mathematical economics, and public finance. DDRIG proposals are due in January and August annually.
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| STAGE | DUE DATES | CHECKLIST | |
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| 1 | Proposal Development | 4 WEEKS (or more) before application deadline |
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| 2 | Application Review and Submission | 10 BUSINESS DAYS before the application deadline |
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10 - 0 BUSINESS DAYS before the application deadline |
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Proposal Development Steps
- Review the DDRIG solicitation from the applicable NSF program. If you are not sure which NSF program you should apply to, talk with your advisor.
- Review recent awards using the "What Has Been Funded (Recent Awards Made Through This Program, with Abstracts)" link on the program page.
- Leverage your network to find successful proposal and/or peers who have been through the application process (whether successful or not).
- Prepare a 1-page summary of your project to send by email to the NSF program officer(s) listed in the DDRIG solicitation for your chosen program. Request a phone call to discuss your project, including its fit with the program, or feedback by email.
- Read carefully pertinent sections of the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Highlight or otherwise take note of important information.
- Draft your Project Description, Budget Justification, and other components of your application, carefully following the content and format requirements as described in the DDRIG solicitation and PAPPG.
- Obtain written documentation from hosting institution, collaborators, or other auxiliary resources, if applicable.
- Request required documents/information from your advisor (PI),* and mark your calendar to follow up to ensure you receive all documents/information well in advance of the submission deadline.
- Finalize and submit your proposal and all necessary paperwork to Caroline in OSP well in advance of the deadline. Caroline will review, work with you to revise as needed, and submit the application to the NSF.
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