Science of Science: Discovery, Communication, and Impact

The Science of Science: Discovery, Communication, and Impact (SoS:DCI) program aims to support research that increases the public value of scientific activity. It focuses on understanding the social and structural mechanisms of scientific discovery, improving the theories, frameworks, models, and data that inform scientific communication and outcomes, and elucidating the societal benefits of scientific activity for evidence-based policymaking. The program is interested in proposals that:

• Investigate the science of science at various levels, including individual, organizational, and institutional perspectives, across micro to macro scales.
• Employ rigorous empirical research methods.
• Advance theory and frameworks related to the science of science.
• Develop transformative models, data, and analytical tools.
• Provide assessments of project impact on society and policy.
• Promote open science and public access to scientific materials.

The SoS:DCI program encourages interdisciplinary research, diverse methodological approaches, and proposals that have the potential to strengthen America's leadership in science and its national competitiveness. It also emphasizes broadening participation in science, encouraging proposals from underrepresented groups and institutions. The program supports standard research grants, collaborative research grants, projects analyzing the biomedical research enterprise, and conference grants. The emphasis is also placed on the broader impacts of research, including its benefit to society and contribution to policy outcomes.