Developmental and Learning Sciences (DLS)
National Science Foundation (NSF)

Deadline: January 15, 2011; July 15, 2011

DLS supports fundamental research that increases our understanding of cognitive, linguistic, social, cultural, and biological processes related to children's and adolescents' development and learning. Research supported by this program will add to our basic knowledge of how people learn and the underlying developmental processes that support learning, with the objective of leading to better educated children and adolescents who grow up to take productive roles as workers and as citizens.

Among the many research topics supported by DLS are: developmental cognitive neuroscience; development of higher-order cognitive processes; transfer of knowledge from one domain or situation to another; use of molecular genetics to study continuities and discontinuities in development; development of peer relations and family interactions; multiple influences on development, including the impact of family, school, community, social institutions, and the media; adolescents’ preparation for entry into the workforce; cross-cultural research on development and learning; and the role of cultural influences and demographic characteristics on development.

The program is accepting proposals for individual investigator projects (average total budget of approximately $100,000 per year) and workshops/ small conferences (average total one-time budget of approximately $15,000).

For more information: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=8671