Human Networks and Data Science

The Human Networks and Data Science (HNDS) program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is a federal initiative designed to support innovative research that leverages network and data science to enhance understanding of human behavior. Housed within NSF's Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, the HNDS program comprises two distinct tracks: Human Networks and Data Science – Infrastructure (HNDS-I) and Human Networks and Data Science – Core Research (HNDS-R). HNDS-I focuses on the creation of large-scale, user-friendly data resources and analytic tools for advancing social, behavioral, and economic (SBE) science, while HNDS-R supports theoretical contributions to the SBE disciplines through data- and network-intensive methodologies. The HNDS-I track funds projects that propose the development of databases or analytical technologies that enable novel, data-intensive SBE research. Infrastructure proposals must deliver a completed product—either a database or a tool—that allows researchers to pursue scientific inquiries previously limited by data or analytical access. Proposals are evaluated based on the significance of the research questions the database or tool enables, the scope of the data, and the potential to impact multiple fields within SBE. Funded proposals are expected to describe in detail the science, technology, and governance structure of the proposed infrastructure, including sustainability and technical plans. In contrast, the HNDS-R track advances core SBE theories through the application of data and network science. Projects typically involve large, complex datasets and use network analysis or modeling of human behavior, often across varying spatio-temporal scales. These research projects must address clear theoretical questions, incorporate novel data analysis techniques, and potentially offer transformative insights into human behavior. HNDS-R proposals may be submitted directly to the program (with prior approval), or more commonly as secondary designations under other NSF SBE core programs. Applications must be submitted through either Research.gov or Grants.gov, following the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide. No letters of intent or preliminary proposals are required, although HNDS-R direct submissions require prior permission from the program officer. The application must include all required components as per NSF standards, and additional technical and sustainability plans are mandatory for HNDS-I submissions. Proposals will be evaluated based on NSF’s standard review criteria: Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. Approximately $8 million is allocated annually to support between 5 to 25 projects under the HNDS program. HNDS-I awards generally range from $750,000 to $800,000, while HNDS-R awards range from $350,000 to $400,000, with a cap near $800,000 unless extraordinary justification is provided. Projects may span one to five years. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. Applicants are expected to address privacy, data ethics, and the long-term accessibility of their projects. The program operates on an annual cycle with distinct deadlines for each track. For HNDS-I, proposals are due the second Thursday in January (e.g., January 9, 2026). For direct HNDS-R submissions, deadlines fall on the first Thursday of August and February, requiring prior permission. Submissions listing HNDS-R as a secondary program follow the primary program’s deadline. Contact information for program officers is provided in the solicitation, and proposers are encouraged to engage with them prior to submission for guidance and clarification. Notification of awards follows the standard NSF timeline.