[U.S. National Science Foundation](https://www.nsf.gov/)

Proposals accepted anytime

Up to $18,000 total per award (direct + indirect costs), up to 2 years; 25–35 awards/year

Supports doctoral dissertation research that advances fundamental knowledge in geography and spatial sciences.

--- ## Description This program provides funding for doctoral students to improve the conduct of dissertation research in geography and spatial sciences. The goal is to advance fundamental theory, methods, and understanding in geography and spatial science, while addressing societal challenges. Projects may address a wide range of human-environment and geographical topics, provided they contribute to basic scientific knowledge and theory. The awards are intended to support research costs not typically covered by universities, such as fieldwork, data collection, or specialized equipment, but do not cover stipends, tuition, or advisor travel. The program emphasizes the integration of education and research, and supports interdisciplinary approaches. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals are accepted at any time; there are no fixed deadlines. - Investigators should submit when their proposal is ready. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $18,000 (including all direct and indirect costs) per project. - Project duration: up to 24 months. - Estimated number of awards: 25–35 annually. - Total program funding: $400,000–$600,000 per year (subject to availability). --- ## Eligibility - **Who may apply:** - Proposals must be submitted by U.S. accredited institutions of higher education (2- and 4-year, including community colleges), acting on behalf of faculty members. - The doctoral student’s advisor or another faculty member at their U.S. university must serve as the Principal Investigator (PI). - The doctoral student must be listed as a co-PI. - Each doctoral student may submit only two DDRI proposals to this program in their lifetime. - There is no limit on the number of proposals an advisor or faculty member may submit as PI. - **International branch campuses:** - If funding is proposed for an international branch campus, the proposal must justify why the project cannot be performed at the U.S. campus. --- ## Application Process - Proposals may be submitted via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/), NSF FastLane, or Research.gov. - Follow the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg) and the solicitation-specific instructions. - Required components include: - Project Summary and Description (max 11 pages, including figures/tables) - References Cited - Biographical Sketches (for PI, co-PI, and senior personnel) - Budget and Budget Justification (max 3 pages) - Data Management Plan (max 2 pages) - Signed statement from the PI affirming the student’s readiness and proposal quality (template provided in the solicitation) - Collaborators and Other Affiliations information - (If applicable) IRB/IACUC approvals - Letters of intent and preliminary proposals are **not** required. --- ## Additional Information - DDRI awards are for research costs only; stipends, tuition, and advisor travel are not permitted. - Conference travel is limited to $1,000 for one conference or $1,500 total for two; awards will not be made solely for conference travel. - Proposals must demonstrate how the research will advance fundamental theory and knowledge in geography/spatial sciences. - Reviewers assess intellectual merit, broader impacts, longer-term significance, and likelihood of success. --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Page](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/hegs-ddri-human-environment-geographical-sciences-program-doctoral) - [Full Solicitation (NSF 17-567, PDF)](https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/solicitations/pubs/2017/nsf17567/nsf17567.pdf?VersionId=wG6UwOoPjDrftbF7HYr.5Ukhn.g2JZLa) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [Apply via Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359530) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |--------------------------|------------------------------------|-----------------| | General GSS Inquiries | [gss-info@nsf.gov](mailto:gss-info@nsf.gov) | | | Scott M. Freundschuh, Program Director | [sfreunds@nsf.gov](mailto:sfreunds@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7076 | | Jacqueline Vadjunec, Program Director | [jmvadjun@nsf.gov](mailto:jmvadjun@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7064 | | Cori Jacildone, Program Specialist | [cjacildo@nsf.gov](mailto:cjacildo@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8740 | | NSF Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | | | NSF Information Center | | (703) 292-5111 | ---

Human-Environment and Geographical Sciences Program - Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Awards

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