Human Networks and Data Science

The Human Networks and Data Science (HNDS) program is a funding initiative offered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), specifically through its Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences. The program is designed to advance understanding of human behavior by supporting research that leverages data science and network science methodologies. The HNDS program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly between the social sciences, computer science, and statistics, to enable theoretical advancements in the social, behavioral, and economic (SBE) sciences. The HNDS program offers two tracks: Human Networks and Data Science – Infrastructure (HNDS-I) and Human Networks and Data Science – Core Research (HNDS-R). The HNDS-I track funds large-scale infrastructure projects that build user-friendly, next-generation data resources and analytical tools to support data-intensive SBE research. These projects are expected to yield databases or analytic tools that enable new forms of research that were previously unfeasible due to scale or complexity. Proposals in this track must include a technical plan and a sustainability plan. The HNDS-R track supports theory-driven research projects that use data-intensive methods to enhance understanding of human networks and behavior. Projects in this track should incorporate large datasets, complex modeling, or network analysis and are encouraged to use NSF-supported infrastructure. Funding under this program totals approximately $8 million annually, with anticipated awards ranging from 5 to 25 per year. HNDS-I typically supports 4–5 infrastructure projects, generally in the $750,000 to $800,000 range, while HNDS-R supports 5–20 core research projects, typically receiving $350,000 to $400,000. Projects can range from 1 to 5 years in duration. While proposals may exceed these budgetary guidelines, strong justification is required. The program does not permit voluntary cost sharing. Eligibility is broad and includes institutions of higher education, nonprofits, for-profits, and government entities as defined by the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). However, unaffiliated individuals are not eligible. HNDS-R proposals are typically submitted through a primary SBE core program with HNDS-R as a secondary consideration. Proposals submitted directly to HNDS-R require written permission from a program officer. Applications can be submitted through either Research.gov or Grants.gov. Deadlines vary by track. The next deadline for HNDS-I is January 10, 2025, and for direct HNDS-R submissions (by permission only), it is February 6, 2025. The program follows an annual recurring schedule: second Thursday in January (HNDS-I) and first Thursday in February (HNDS-R). Applicants are required to follow PAPPG guidelines for formatting and submission. There is no requirement for letters of intent or preliminary proposals. All proposals are reviewed using NSF's standard merit review criteria: Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. Successful proposals are expected to be theoretically grounded, methodologically innovative, and socially impactful. Contact points for the program include Program Directors Amy H. Criss ([email protected]), Nicholas N. Nagle ([email protected]), and Laneisha Mayo ([email protected]), among others. Applicants should ensure IRB or IACUC compliance for any projects involving human or vertebrate animal subjects and are encouraged to address data ethics, privacy, and sustainability within their proposals.

Ensure alignment with NSF merit review criteria; Highlight societal benefits and theoretical advancement; Use NSF-supported infrastructure when applicable.