The Human-Environment and Geographical Sciences (HEGS) Program, offered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is designed to fund basic scientific research on the spatial dimensions of human behavior, activities, and interactions with environmental and social processes. This program aims to foster research that examines how human dynamics and environmental factors influence each other across various scales, contributing to broader geographic and geospatial sciences. A total of $7 million is allocated for the FY 2025 HEGS program, with an estimated 25 awards available. There is no matching requirement for this grant, and awards will be made in the form of grants.

HEGS seeks proposals that are empirically grounded, theoretically robust, and methodologically sound, advancing the theory and application of geographical sciences. Research can employ quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods, provided they contribute significantly to expanding or testing theoretical concepts within geographical science. Importantly, HEGS does not support projects that primarily aim at humanistic interpretations or lack generalizability and reproducibility, as the NSF mandate focuses on fundamental, generalizable research outcomes. The program’s guidelines stress the importance of clear plans for data collection and analysis, justifying methodological choices, addressing potential biases, and ensuring that findings are valid and broadly applicable.

Eligibility for this program extends to a wide range of U.S.-based applicants, including state and local governments, institutions of higher education (both two- and four-year colleges), non-profit and for-profit organizations with a focus on research and innovation, federally recognized Tribal Nations, and specific non-academic organizations like museums and research laboratories. For U.S. higher education institutions with international campuses, proposals that include international components must explain the necessity of those international locations and justify why the research cannot be conducted within the U.S.

Applications must be submitted by February 3, 2025, through Grants.gov, where applicants can access further information on proposal requirements. Proposals will be reviewed for their alignment with HEGS’s focus on human-environment interactions relevant to social science, as well as their potential to transform geographical theory and produce societal benefits. Submissions that do not meet these programmatic expectations risk being returned without review.

For more detailed information or assistance, applicants are directed to NSF’s official publication (NSF 25-507) or to contact the NSF Grants.gov support team at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.