The U.S. National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in all 50 states and U.S. territories. NSF was established in 1950 by Congress to promote the progress of science, advance the national health, prosperity and welfare, and secure the national defense.
The Human-Environment and Geographical Sciences (HEGS) Program aims to fund basic scientific research that examines the nature, causes, and consequences of the spatial distribution of human activity and environmental processes. The program supports a wide range of geographical and spatial sciences research, emphasizing empirical grounding, theoretical engagement, and methodological sophistication. It welcomes diverse research methodologies, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. The goal is to enhance geographical theory and methods, making significant contributions that are generalizable and beneficial to society. However, the program does not fund research primarily focused on humanistic understanding or applied research. Proposals must demonstrate potential for theory-testing or expanding contributions to geographical science and articulate broader societal impacts. Research must engage human dimensions important to people and societies.