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NSF IBSS (NSF Publication 15-588) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the NSF Interdisciplinary Behavioral and Social Science Research (IBSS) program?

The Interdisciplinary Behavioral and Social Science Research (IBSS) program is a discretionary, grant-based NSF funding opportunity that supports collaborative, cross-disciplinary research teams in the social and behavioral sciences. It is intended to promote research that integrates theories, concepts, and methods from multiple Social, Behavioral, and Economic (SBE) fields.

2) What is the main goal of IBSS-funded projects?

The main goal is to move beyond single-discipline projects and support research that genuinely combines disciplinary perspectives. NSF is looking for interdisciplinary integration that produces stronger and more broadly informative science than any one discipline could produce on its own.

3) What does NSF mean by "interdisciplinary integration" for IBSS?

For IBSS, interdisciplinary integration means more than placing different disciplines side-by-side. Projects should combine perspectives, theories, and methods in a way that meaningfully strengthens the science and leads to insights that are not achievable through a single field alone.

4) What kinds of research contributions does IBSS prioritize?

IBSS emphasizes intellectual contribution and generalizability. The program prioritizes projects expected to generate insights that travel across fields, strengthen or reshape theoretical frameworks, and advance basic knowledge and research capabilities for multiple SBE disciplines.

5) Does IBSS fund only certain topics, or can proposals address any topic?

IBSS will consider proposals on any topic as long as the interdisciplinary payoff is clearly justified and the work is expected to make contributions that matter beyond a narrow topic area or a single scholarly community.

6) Are there specific research themes NSF encourages under IBSS?

Yes. NSF particularly encourages submissions aligned with three broad themes: population change; the sources and consequences of disparities; and technology, new media, and social networks. These themes are intentionally broad and allow for many research questions and approaches, as long as interdisciplinary integration is central.

7) What is the Funding Opportunity Number and CFDA number for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number is 15-588. The opportunity is associated with CFDA 47.075 (Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences).

8) What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?

The funding activity category is classified as Science and Technology and other Research and Development, reflecting NSF's focus on foundational research contributions rather than service delivery or implementation-only efforts.

9) How much funding is available through IBSS?

NSF anticipated making about 16 awards with an estimated total program funding of $10.5 million (as stated in the provided opportunity information).

10) What is the maximum award size (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $1,000,000 per grant.

11) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The program indicates there is no cost sharing or matching requirement, so applicants do not need to secure non-federal matching funds as a condition of eligibility.

12) Who is eligible to apply for IBSS funding?

Eligibility is aimed at U.S.-based organizations involved in education or research. Applicants may include accredited U.S. universities and colleges (including two- and four-year institutions and community colleges) acting on behalf of their faculty, as well as certain non-profit, non-academic organizations such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar U.S. organizations associated with educational or research activities.

13) Can non-academic organizations apply?

Yes. The program description indicates certain non-profit, non-academic U.S. organizations associated with educational or research activities (for example, independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies) may be eligible.

14) Are individuals eligible to apply directly?

The provided information describes eligibility in terms of U.S.-based organizations (institutions) applying, including colleges, universities, and certain non-profit research/education organizations. It does not describe individual applicants applying directly.

15) When are IBSS proposals due?

The submission deadline is set annually as the first Tuesday in December, with proposals due by 5:00 PM local time of the submitting organization.

16) What were the posted and closing dates shown in the provided notice?

The posted and creation dates listed are July 14, 2015. The original and current closing date shown is December 1, 2015. An archive date is listed as January 3, 2030.

17) What time zone applies to the deadline?

Proposals are due by 5:00 PM local time of the submitting organization.

18) Where can applicants find the full program details?

The full details are referenced through the "Additional Information" link to NSF Publication 15-588.

19) Who should applicants contact if they experience access issues during submission?

Applicants who experience access issues are directed to NSF's grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.

20) What distinguishes a competitive IBSS proposal based on the description provided?

Based on the provided description, a competitive proposal should (a) be genuinely interdisciplinary rather than parallel multi-discipline work, (b) make a convincing case for broad intellectual contribution and generalizability across multiple SBE fields, and (c) show how integrating theories, concepts, and methods improves the science and yields insights that extend beyond one narrow topic area or single scholarly community.