Human Networks and Data Science

The Human Networks and Data Science (HNDS) program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), supports innovative research that enhances the understanding of human behavior through data science and network science. HNDS is housed within the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, specifically under the Divisions of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences and Social and Economic Sciences. The solicitation NSF 23-568 outlines two distinct tracks under the HNDS program: Infrastructure (HNDS-I) and Core Research (HNDS-R). This funding opportunity replaces NSF 22-505 and aims to strengthen the social, behavioral, and economic sciences through large-scale, data-intensive research. The HNDS-I track supports the development of databases or analytic tools that enable new types of social science research. Infrastructure projects may create entirely new databases, revise existing ones, or merge multiple sources to form cohesive, scalable data environments. Additionally, proposals may focus on building analytic or technological tools to enhance the use and accessibility of databases. Successful applications should aim to benefit broad research communities, ensuring usability and long-term accessibility. Applicants are required to submit a detailed technical plan and sustainability plan, addressing topics such as team composition, user training, and annual operational costs. Proposals must clearly articulate how their tools or databases will enable data-intensive research that was previously unattainable within social, behavioral, or economic disciplines. HNDS-R projects, on the other hand, focus on advancing theory in a core SBE discipline through data-intensive methods. Proposals must be theoretically driven and make innovative use of large datasets and network models. HNDS-R especially welcomes projects that analyze human behavior using multidimensional, dynamic network structures and that integrate NSF-supported infrastructures such as RIDIR databases. Theoretical clarity, novelty of methods, and a capacity to address significant societal challenges are key review considerations. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate across disciplines including social science, statistics, and computer science, and must consult with program officers if they wish to submit directly to the HNDS-R track rather than through a core SBE program. The total anticipated funding for this program is $8 million annually, supporting approximately 5 to 25 projects. Typical award amounts for HNDS-I projects range from $750,000 to $800,000, while HNDS-R projects generally fall between $350,000 and $400,000. Projects can span from one to five years, with budgets expected to match project scope and justification. Cost-sharing is prohibited, and there are no indirect cost limitations specified. Proposals may be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov in accordance with the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG). There are no limitations on the number of proposals per organization, though individual PIs or co-PIs may only submit one HNDS-I proposal annually. The solicitation features recurring deadlines. For HNDS-I proposals, deadlines are the second Thursday in January each year, with the next deadline on January 10, 2025. For HNDS-R proposals submitted by permission only, deadlines are the first Thursday in February and August annually. For all other HNDS submissions, the general deadline is the second Thursday in July annually. The program accepts full proposals only; no letters of intent or preliminary proposals are required. Contact information for program-related inquiries includes Amy H. Criss (acriss@nsf.gov, 703-292-8740), Nicholas N. Nagle (nnagle@nsf.gov), Laneisha Mayo (lmayo@nsf.gov), and Cori J. Jacildone (cjacildo@nsf.gov). Applicants must address broader impacts and ethical considerations such as human subjects protection, data privacy, and data governance. Proposals that involve human data require IRB approval or exemption documentation, while projects involving animals must adhere to Animal Welfare Act requirements and receive IACUC approval. NSF places a strong emphasis on the inclusion of underrepresented groups and the broader impacts of funded research. This includes improving STEM education, increasing public engagement, and strengthening partnerships across sectors.

Applicants should consult with program officers before submitting HNDS-R proposals directly and adhere closely to technical and sustainability documentation requirements for HNDS-I.