Human Networks and Data Science | 22 505

Opportunity Information: Apply for 22 505

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Human Networks and Data Science (HNDS) program is a research funding opportunity focused on improving the scientific understanding of human behavior by combining network science with modern data science. The central idea is that many important questions about individuals and groups can now be studied in new ways because we have access to dynamic, distributed, and highly diverse data sources (for example, data that change over time, come from multiple systems, and include different formats or levels of detail). HNDS is looking for projects that use these kinds of data to generate data-rich insights about human networks, with an emphasis on knowledge that can ultimately support better outcomes in areas tied to health, prosperity, and security.

HNDS is organized into two complementary tracks. The first track, Human Networks and Data Science - Infrastructure (HNDS-I), supports projects that build the underlying resources the broader research community needs. These proposals are expected to create large-scale, next-generation data resources and/or analytic techniques that are user-friendly and ready for others to use. The expectation is a "finished product" within the award period, meaning something concrete and accessible such as a curated database, a usable data platform, or validated analytic tools and methods that allow researchers to carry out new kinds of data-intensive work in the Social, Behavioral, and Economic (SBE) sciences. A strong HNDS-I project is not just a local dataset or a one-off tool; it should be designed to have significant impact across multiple fields or at least across a broad disciplinary area by enabling research that was previously difficult or impossible.

The second track, Human Networks and Data Science - Core Research (HNDS-R), funds research projects that directly advance theory within a core SBE discipline by applying data science and network science approaches. HNDS-R proposals are expected to use large and complex datasets, including those that span multiple spatial and temporal scales, and they may combine qualitative and quantitative approaches when that pairing strengthens inference or interpretation. Projects may also draw on multi-scale or multi-level network data (for instance, networks that connect people to groups, organizations, or places) and advanced network analytic techniques. The goal is for supported work to produce findings that enhance, expand, or transform theories and methods in the SBE sciences, leading to novel understandings of human behavior that speak to major societal opportunities and challenges. HNDS-R particularly encourages researchers to build on existing NSF-supported data resources, networks, centers, and other infrastructure, including resources created through the infrastructure track (noting that HNDS-I builds on what was formerly associated with RIDIR efforts).

From an administrative standpoint, this is an NSF discretionary grant program in the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category (CFDA 47.075). Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning the program is broadly open to applicant types, with the caveat that applicants should still confirm any specific eligibility details in the full solicitation text. The opportunity number is 22-505, the listed award ceiling is $1,200,000, and NSF anticipated making about 25 awards. The posted timeline information indicates multiple deadlines depending on track (with specific dates and applicability described in the solicitation), including a referenced deadline for direct submissions to HNDS-R and a separate deadline structure for HNDS-I proposals. Overall, the program is positioned to support both the creation of community-enabling data and tools (HNDS-I) and theory-advancing, discipline-centered research that leverages those resources (HNDS-R), all grounded in the idea that networked human behavior can be better understood when paired with modern, data-intensive scientific methods.

• The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Human Networks and Data Science" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.075.
• This funding opportunity was created on Oct 09, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 03, 2022 Deadline for direct submissions to HNDS-R only. Deadline for direct submissions to HNDS-R only. Refer to Solicitation for Applicable Deadline. Deadline for HNDS-I proposals only. Refer to Solicitation for Applicable Deadline.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,200,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 25 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

Apply for 22 505

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