Human-Environment and Geographical Sciences Program | 21 623

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the NSF Human-Environment and Geographical Sciences (HEGS) Program?

The Human-Environment and Geographical Sciences (HEGS) Program is a National Science Foundation (NSF) discretionary grant opportunity that supports basic, theory-driven research on how human activities and environmental processes are distributed across space, how those spatial patterns form and change, and why they matter across different geographic scales.

Which agency is offering this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is offered by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

What is the funding opportunity number and CFDA number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is 21-623 and the CFDA number is 47.075.

What type of funding instrument is used?

The funding instrument is a grant.

What activity category does this opportunity fall under?

The activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

Where within NSF is HEGS located?

HEGS is housed within NSF's Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences Division in the Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences Directorate.

What kinds of research topics does HEGS aim to support?

HEGS focuses on fundamental questions in geographical and spatial sciences, especially work that explains spatial distributions and processes involving humans and environments. Supported projects should be empirically grounded, theoretically engaged, and methodologically strong, with an emphasis on generating generalizable scientific insights.

What does "theory-driven" or "basic research" mean in this program context?

In this program context, "theory-driven" and "basic research" means the project is designed to test, build, refine, or challenge geographical theory and/or advance geographic methods, rather than primarily producing descriptive local findings or delivering applied solutions as the main goal.

Does HEGS fund applied or practice-oriented projects?

HEGS emphasizes NSF's mandate to fund basic scientific research and indicates that projects whose primary purpose is applied problem-solving or practice-oriented outcomes are not a fit. Real-world issues can be included, but they must serve as a platform for theory testing, theory building, or methodological innovation in geographical science.

Are humanistic interpretation projects a good fit for HEGS?

The program indicates that projects whose primary purpose is humanistic interpretation are not a fit, given the program's focus on basic, theory-driven scientific contributions in geographical and spatial sciences.

Can a proposal focus on a single case study or location?

A proposal may examine a specific case, location, or context, but HEGS explicitly seeks generalizable insights. Proposals are expected to explain how findings will extend beyond a single case study or location and contribute to broader scientific understanding.

What does HEGS mean by "generalizable insights"?

Based on the program description, generalizable insights are findings that extend beyond one place or one case and contribute to broader theory, methods, or scientific understanding in geography and spatial science.

What methodological approaches are acceptable?

HEGS signals broad openness to rigorous quantitative approaches, qualitative designs, and mixed-methods projects. The key expectation is that the methods are methodologically strong and used to produce credible, generalizable scientific contributions that advance core theories and methods.

If my project uses spatial tools on a social problem, is that enough?

Not necessarily. The program notes that proposals that mainly apply spatial tools to a social problem without explaining how the work will expand or challenge geographic theory may be returned without review.

Can projects address real-world social or environmental issues?

Yes. HEGS welcomes studies that engage real-world issues, including projects integrating scientific and critical perspectives, as long as the issue is used as a platform for theory testing, theory building, or methodological innovation in geographical science.

How important is the "human dimensions" component?

It is central. Even when research involves biophysical or environmental processes, proposals must clearly connect to human dimensions relevant to people and societies. The human component should be explicit and important, not incidental.

What happens if a proposal does not align with HEGS expectations?

The program description indicates that proposals that do not align with these expectations, including those lacking a meaningful human-dimensions focus or failing to explain generalizability and theory contribution, risk being returned without review.

What kinds of outcomes are expected from HEGS-funded projects?

HEGS-funded projects are expected to generate outcomes that enhance, expand, or transform core theories and methods in geography and spatial science, while also delivering positive broader impacts that benefit society, consistent with NSF expectations for intellectual merit and broader impacts.

How many awards are expected?

The posting lists an expected number of awards of about 40.

Is there a maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The opportunity summary lists an award ceiling of 0, which typically indicates the summary field does not set a single maximum award amount. Applicants are expected to rely on the full program solicitation and NSF guidance for typical award sizes and budgeting expectations.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is open to any type of entity, subject to any additional eligibility notes in the full solicitation.

What are the key dates shown in the opportunity record?

The opportunity record shows a creation date of September 16, 2021 and an original closing date of January 18, 2022.

Is this opportunity competitive or discretionary?

The HEGS Program is described as a discretionary grant opportunity.