Travel Grant Proposals - Economics of Science Initiative

To bring together early-career researchers who are studying the economics of science with science funders and research organizations, the Economics of Science Initiative at the NBER, with support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, has developed a program of small travel grants to support visits stimulating direct interactions between researchers and the organizations they are studying. These organizations could be private or public research funders, or research organizations such as universities or research labs. The goal of these small grants is to enrich researchers’ understanding of the practice of science, as well as the management and financing of science. Such visits are aimed at supporting scientific analyses that would advance the knowledge frontier on how science progresses and should progress, while at the same time informing the operations and practices of science funders.

Small grants, up to $5,500 per project, can be used for research-related travel, or to convene small meetings. The research grants are administered directly by the NBER to reimburse costs incurred by researchers; they are not awarded to other institutions and may not be used to cover indirect costs, summer salary, or research assistant time.  

To apply for a grant, please submit a one-page proposal describing the scientist(s) or organization that you plan to partner with in forming your research collaboration, the project that you hope to carry out, and the amount of funding that your project requires. In addition, please attach a note of support from your potential partner organization, and provide a link to your c.v. Submit proposals by February 4, 2026, 5pm EST.

Proposals from researchers with and without NBER affiliations and early career scholars are welcome. Applicants do not need to be US residents. A committee chaired by Reinhilde Veugelers (KU Leuven) and Megan MacGarvie (Boston University and NBER), will review the proposals and announce funding decisions by late February. 

Researchers who receive support will be invited to describe their project and their findings at future meetings of the Science of Science Funding Initiative. 

Please direct questions about this call for proposals to Abbie Murrell at murrella@nber.org