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The Society is calling for proposals that advance the Society’s mission of fostering interdisciplinary and engaged scholarship in social studies of science, technology, and medicine across the globe, in 2026. Proposals should address a commitment to further advance global epistemic dialogue in science and technology studies.
Applications from individuals, as well as STS groups and networks are welcome. Groups and networks that would like to affiliate with the Society can also apply. This scheme aims to reach around the globe, enhancing the transnational reach of 4S. The goal is to support creative and innovative activities that reconstruct the global genealogies of STS, as well as fostering emerging (early-career) leadership, and strengthening local and regional STS communities.
A budget of $15,000 USD for 2026 is available to be divided into three funding tracks, each with a maximum budget of $5,000 USD. The Society reserves the right to not fund all tracks, dependent on the quality of proposals and funding available.
This track supports individual or collaborative research projects that shed light on often overlooked histories and current dynamics of STS around the world. Priority areas include, but are not limited to:
- Reconstructing the origins and development of STS in specific countries or regions (e.g., Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe).
- Documenting how STS theories have been adapted, rejected, or transformed outside of Euro-American centers.
- Analyzing current global dimensions of science, technology, and society, including North-South or South-South dynamics.
This track aims to nurture the next generation of global STS scholars by supporting capacity building, as well as the development of graduate students and early-career scholars. Priority areas include, but are not limited to:
- Writing workshops (hybrid or in-person) to help early-career scholars prepare articles for publication in the Society’s recognized STS journals.
- Training activities and short courses focused on methodologies, theoretical approaches, or specific topics.
- Networking or leadership development programs for emerging STS researchers (in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe).
This track supports the organization of scholarly events by STS networks and associations. Priority areas include, but are not limited to:
- Thematic workshops that bring together STS scholars from a specific country or geographic region.
- Meetings to strengthen cross-country collaboration among neighboring STS communities.
- Hybrid or in-person events that connect local participants with the global 4S network.
Eligibility and Conditions:
Eligibility: The call is open to all members, affiliated STS groups and networks as well as groups and networks that would like to affiliate to 4S as part of this process (actualising with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)).
Applications from places including Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, which have been more recently integrated to 4S, are encouraged.
Budget limit: Maximum of $5,000 per award. Funds are limited and intended to support creative activities or complement local funding sources.
Financial Requirements: Awards can be subject to country-based and US-based taxes. All costs must include taxes and currency conversion as awards will be paid in USD. The applicant may be subject to US-based tax reporting, and other national tax frameworks. Not all countries can accept monetary payment from the US at this time. Applicants are responsible for all taxes and tax reporting related to this award. Please be aware that 4S is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization which ensures proper reporting and compliance with IRS regulations regarding any payments, and can refuse to pay if the item does not fit the Society's educational tax-exempt purpose. All applicants are responsible for all taxes incurred and will be paid as a reimbursement of costs as a lump sum. 4S will not match fund any activity that would jeopardise the Society’s 501c3 tax-exempt status in regard to influencing legislation and lobbying. Budgets must include all forms of tax to be able to receive money from the United States by ACH or wire transfer.
Reporting: Awardees must submit an activity report to the Global Outreach Committee within 60 days of project completion, as well as a short-form report for publication in the Society’s blog, Backchannels.
Acknowledgment: All funded activities must acknowledge support from the Society for Social Studies of Science in any related publications, events, or outputs. Communications must come via the global outreach committee before the 10th day of each month to plan public campaigning across the Society’s media outreach.
Agreement: Each applicant on applying will be asked to agree to confirm that applicants will (a) abide by the 4S Society's ethics code of conduct.
Submission Procedure:
Please submit your application using the Survey Monkey form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7685Z86.
Review criteria:
- Alignment with 4S's mission to foster interdisciplinary and engaged scholarship in social studies of science, technology, and medicine across the globe.
- Feasibility of activities given the budget and timeline.
- Meaningful contribution to the development of an STS community, group or network.
- Potential for lasting impact, such as supporting networks and collaborations, producing accessible scholarship, and fostering new leadership.
Deadline for proposals: July 26, 2026
Deadline for Announcements: August 20, 2026
Implementation of the activities: Proposed activity must be completed by December 31, 2026
Questions? Contact the Global Outreach Committee at globaloutreach@4sonline.org.