Deadline: 15-Apr-2026
The Cognitive Science Society offers grants of up to $5,000 to support initiatives that enhance accessibility, inclusion, and participation of under-represented communities in cognitive science. The program funds outreach, engagement, and sustainable initiatives that connect diverse audiences to cognitive science through interdisciplinary activities.
Overview
The Cognitive Science Society (CSS) invites proposals for grants that broaden participation in cognitive science by supporting innovative outreach initiatives.
The program focuses on:
- Accessibility and inclusion for under-represented communities
- Multidisciplinary approaches, integrating AI, computer science, linguistics, anthropology, psychology, education, neuroscience, and philosophy
- Sustainable engagement, extending beyond a single event
- Publicly accessible materials to foster long-term participation
The initiative is designed for programs, events, or activities, not research projects, and encourages projects that actively engage students, the general public, or specific communities at local, national, or international levels.
Who is Eligible?
- Researchers affiliated with universities or research institutes, including:
- Faculty members
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Graduate students
- Projects that have not previously received CSS funding
Eligible initiatives may:
- Launch new outreach programs
- Expand existing initiatives
- Take place within institutions, public venues, or directly within communities, including rural or under-represented regions
Grant Details
- Funding Amount: Up to USD 5,000
- Project Duration: 1 year from award date
- Application Deadline: April 15, 2026
- Reporting Requirements:
- Activities report due by mid-May 2027
- Short blog contribution due by December 2026
Program Focus Areas
- Engagement and Outreach: Initiatives that introduce cognitive science to new audiences.
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA): Promote participation and retention of under-represented groups across regions and demographics.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Projects integrating multiple core cognitive science disciplines.
- Sustainability: Programs should have long-term impact beyond the grant period.
- Public Accessibility: Development of materials accessible to broad audiences.
How to Apply / How It Works
- Proposal Preparation: Submit a proposal demonstrating outreach strategy, interdisciplinary approach, and DEIA commitment.
- Submission: Apply by April 15, 2026, through the CSS grant platform.
- Selection: Projects are reviewed based on clarity of outreach, impact potential, and interdisciplinary integration.
- Implementation: Funded initiatives must be executed within one year.
- Reporting: Submit an activities report by mid-May 2027 and a short blog post by December 2026.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly describe audience engagement strategies.
- Demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration across cognitive science disciplines.
- Highlight the sustainability and potential long-term impact of your project.
- Include plans for materials or activities accessible to under-represented communities.
- Ensure the project has not previously received CSS funding.
Why It Matters
The grant promotes equitable access to cognitive science, increasing participation and retention among under-represented groups. It encourages innovative outreach that:
- Strengthens diversity in the cognitive science community
- Enhances public understanding of cognitive science
- Fosters inclusive, interdisciplinary approaches for the next generation of researchers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for this grant?
Researchers affiliated with universities or research institutes, including faculty, postdocs, and graduate students.
2. What type of projects are eligible?
Programs, events, or outreach activities designed to broaden participation in cognitive science, not research-based proposals.
3. What is the funding amount and duration?
Up to USD 5,000 per project, implemented within one year.
4. Can existing outreach initiatives receive funding?
Yes, if the program has not previously received funding from the Cognitive Science Society.
5. What reporting is required?
An activities report by mid-May 2027 and a short blog post by December 2026.
6. What disciplines are relevant for interdisciplinary projects?
AI, computer science, linguistics, anthropology, psychology, education, neuroscience, philosophy, and related cognitive science fields.
7. How does the grant promote inclusion?
By supporting projects that increase participation and accessibility for under-represented communities in cognitive science.
Conclusion
The Cognitive Science Society grant fosters inclusive, interdisciplinary outreach in cognitive science. By funding projects that engage under-represented communities and create sustainable public impact, the program strengthens diversity, accessibility, and participation in the field globally.
For more information, visit Cognitive Science Society.