Opportunity Information: Apply for 23 500
The SBE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (Funding Opportunity Number 23-500) are a National Science Foundation grant program run through the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE). The purpose of the fellowship is to help early-career scholars build research independence soon after the PhD by providing focused support for a well-defined research and training plan. In practice, the program is designed to give a postdoctoral fellow the time, resources, and structured professional development needed to establish a distinct scholarly trajectory, deepen expertise, and strengthen longer-term career prospects in the social, behavioral, and economic sciences.
A central requirement is that each proposed fellowship includes an integrated research and training plan that tackles important scientific questions clearly aligned with the scope of the SBE Directorate and with the specific rules laid out in the solicitation. The emphasis is not only on producing strong research, but also on showing how the fellowship period will intentionally develop the fellow as an independent researcher. That typically means the proposal needs to articulate what new capabilities, methods, collaborations, or conceptual expertise the fellow will gain, and how the training activities are tied directly to the proposed research agenda rather than being generic professional development.
The program offers two distinct tracks. Track I, Fundamental Research in the SBE Sciences (SPRF-FR), focuses on advancing core, field-defining research questions in SBE disciplines. This track is oriented toward pushing forward foundational knowledge and theory, improving methods, or generating insights that contribute broadly to social, behavioral, and economic science. Track II, Broadening Participation in the SBE Sciences (SPRF-BP), emphasizes research and training plans that meaningfully engage with increasing participation and strengthening pathways into SBE fields for individuals and groups that have been historically underrepresented, underserved, or otherwise excluded. While both tracks require strong science, the BP track adds an explicit focus on participation-related goals and outcomes as a central component of the fellowship plan.
Administratively, this opportunity is a discretionary, competitively awarded grant in the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category (CFDA/Assistance Listing 47.075). The listed award ceiling is $170,000, and the agency anticipated making about 20 awards under the solicitation. The opportunity was posted with a creation date of October 8, 2022, and the original closing date was January 10, 2023. Eligibility is indicated as "Others" with additional eligibility details provided in the full solicitation text, meaning applicants need to rely on the official program guidelines for the precise degree timing, appointment status, citizenship or residency rules (if any), and any other applicant or host-institution requirements.
Overall, the SBE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships are structured to fund a carefully planned postdoctoral experience that combines high-impact SBE research with deliberate training aimed at accelerating the transition to research independence. Applicants are expected to select the most appropriate track, demonstrate strong alignment with SBE priorities, and present a coherent plan for both the science and the professional development outcomes that will result from the fellowship period.Apply for 23 500
- The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "SBE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.075.
- This funding opportunity was created on Oct 08, 2022.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jan 10, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $170,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 20 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FAQs: NSF SBE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (Funding Opportunity Number 23-500)
What is the SBE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships program (23-500)?
The SBE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships are a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant program run through the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE). The fellowship is intended to support early-career scholars soon after the PhD by funding a focused postdoctoral research and training plan designed to accelerate the transition to research independence.
What is the main purpose of this fellowship?
The program is designed to help a postdoctoral fellow build research independence by providing time, resources, and structured professional development tied to a well-defined research agenda. The goal is to help the fellow establish a distinct scholarly trajectory, deepen expertise, and strengthen longer-term career prospects in the social, behavioral, and economic sciences.
Which NSF directorate administers this opportunity?
This fellowship is administered through NSF's Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE).
What kinds of fields or topics are a fit for this program?
Projects should be clearly aligned with the scope of NSF's SBE Directorate and consistent with the rules in the official solicitation. The emphasis is on important scientific questions in the social, behavioral, and economic sciences, paired with a plan that develops the applicant as an independent researcher.
What is the "integrated research and training plan" requirement?
A central requirement is that each fellowship proposal includes an integrated research and training plan. This plan must connect the research activities and the training activities in a coherent way, showing how the fellowship will intentionally develop the fellow's independence (for example, through new capabilities, methods, collaborations, or conceptual expertise) rather than offering generic professional development.
How should training be connected to the research plan?
The solicitation emphasizes that training should be tied directly to the proposed research agenda. In practical terms, the proposal should explain what the fellow will learn or gain and how those training activities directly support the research questions and the fellow's long-term scholarly direction.
What are the two tracks available under this program?
The program has two tracks: Track I (Fundamental Research in the SBE Sciences, SPRF-FR) and Track II (Broadening Participation in the SBE Sciences, SPRF-BP).
What is Track I (SPRF-FR) focused on?
Track I, Fundamental Research in the SBE Sciences (SPRF-FR), focuses on advancing core, field-defining research questions in SBE disciplines. It is oriented toward foundational knowledge and theory, improvements in methods, and insights that broadly contribute to social, behavioral, and economic science.
What is Track II (SPRF-BP) focused on?
Track II, Broadening Participation in the SBE Sciences (SPRF-BP), supports research and training plans that meaningfully engage with increasing participation and strengthening pathways into SBE fields for individuals and groups that have been historically underrepresented, underserved, or otherwise excluded. This track still requires strong science, but participation-related goals and outcomes must be a central part of the fellowship plan.
How do I decide which track to apply to?
Applicants are expected to choose the track that best matches the core intent of their proposed fellowship plan. If the proposal is primarily aimed at advancing fundamental SBE research questions, Track I is the natural fit. If the proposal is built around broadening participation goals and outcomes as a central component (alongside strong research), Track II is the intended fit.
Is this a competitive grant?
Yes. The fellowship is described as a discretionary, competitively awarded grant opportunity.
What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA/Assistance Listing 47.075.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The listed award ceiling for this opportunity is $170,000.
How many awards does NSF anticipate making?
NSF anticipated making about 20 awards under this solicitation.
When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?
The opportunity was posted with a creation date of October 8, 2022, and the original closing date was January 10, 2023.
Who is eligible to apply?
The eligibility category is indicated as "Others," with additional eligibility details provided in the full solicitation text. Applicants need to rely on the official program guidelines for the precise eligibility requirements (such as degree timing, appointment status, and any citizenship or residency rules, if applicable), as well as any host-institution requirements.
Where can applicants find the exact eligibility rules and other requirements?
The specific eligibility details and administrative requirements are provided in the official solicitation text for Funding Opportunity Number 23-500. The summary information notes that applicants should consult the full solicitation for precise rules.
What does NSF mean by "research independence" in this fellowship context?
Based on the program description, research independence is supported through a deliberately structured postdoctoral experience that helps the fellow establish a distinct scholarly trajectory, deepen expertise, and develop the capabilities and professional foundation needed for a longer-term career in SBE research.
What are reviewers likely to look for in a strong proposal (based on the description provided)?
The description emphasizes: clear alignment with SBE scope and solicitation rules, a well-defined research plan addressing important scientific questions, and a tightly integrated training plan that explains how the fellowship will build the fellow's independence through specific, research-connected developmental activities. For Track II, it also emphasizes meaningful participation-related goals and outcomes as a central component.
Does the Broadening Participation track replace the need for strong science?
No. The description states that both tracks require strong science. Track II (SPRF-BP) adds an explicit focus on broadening participation goals and outcomes as a central component of the fellowship plan.
What is the overall structure and intent of the fellowship experience?
Overall, the fellowship is structured to fund a carefully planned postdoctoral experience that combines high-impact SBE research with deliberate, integrated training aimed at accelerating the transition to research independence.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: Hierarchical Command and Control of Unmanned Systems (H- C2 UxS)
Previous opportunity: Advanced Chip Engineering Design and Fabrication
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for 23 500
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (23 500) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Cultural Anthropology Program - Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants Apply for 23 502 Funding Number: 23 502 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Biological Anthropology Program Senior Research Awards Apply for 23 503 Funding Number: 23 503 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mathematical and Physical Sciences Ascending Postdoctoral Research Fellowships Apply for 23 501 Funding Number: 23 501 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Biological Anthropology Program - Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants Apply for 23 504 Funding Number: 23 504 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Science of Artificial Intelligence – Basic and Applied Research for the Naval Domain” Apply for N00014 23 S C001 Funding Number: N00014 23 S C001 Agency: Department of Defense, Office of Naval Research Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Hierarchical Command and Control of Unmanned Systems (H- C2 UxS) Apply for N00014 23 S C002 Funding Number: N00014 23 S C002 Agency: Department of Defense, Office of Naval Research Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Breast Cancer, Clinical Research Extension Award Apply for HT9425 23 BCRP CREA Funding Number: HT9425 23 BCRP CREA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Expanding AI Innovation through Capacity Building and Partnerships Apply for 23 506 Funding Number: 23 506 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $28,000,000 |
| Field Initiated Projects Program (Research) Apply for HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR IFRE 0000 Funding Number: HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR IFRE 0000 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Field Initiated Projects Program (Development) Apply for HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR IFDV 0000 Funding Number: HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR IFDV 0000 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, Phase I Apply for HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR BISA 0000 Funding Number: HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR BISA 0000 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies Apply for 23 507 Funding Number: 23 507 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY 2023 Research Opportunities in High Energy Physics Apply for DE FOA 0002832 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002832 Agency: Department of Energy - Office of Science, Office of Science Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| FY 2023 Phase II Release 1 Apply for DE FOA 0002859 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002859 Agency: Department of Energy - Office of Science, Office of Science Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,600,000 |
| Advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research and Development (R&D) Safety and Security Apply for SFOP0009226 Funding Number: SFOP0009226 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Biology Integration Institutes Apply for 23 511 Funding Number: 23 511 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Using the Rules of Life to Address Societal Challenges Apply for 23 512 Funding Number: 23 512 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| AFPMB DWFP FY 23 Announcement Apply for W911SR 22 S DWFP Funding Number: W911SR 22 S DWFP Agency: Department of Defense, ACC-APG-Detrick Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Partnerships in Astronomy & Astrophysics Research and Education Apply for 23 513 Funding Number: 23 513 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fellowship for Afghan Chemical and Biological Experts in Support of U.S. Security and Nonproliferation Projects Apply for SFOP0009255 Funding Number: SFOP0009255 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $800,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "23 500", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.