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

Proposals accepted anytime

Total program funding ~$12M/year; typical awards $250,000–$700,000 for 2–4 years; award ceiling $1,000,000, floor $30,000

Supports fundamental research on water processes on and beneath Earth's surface, including hydrologic transport, coupled systems, and responses to environmental change.

--- ## Description The Hydrologic Sciences Program (HS) at the National Science Foundation (NSF) supports basic research on continental water processes at all scales. The program's focus includes the movement, distribution, and quality of water on and beneath the Earth's surface, the interaction of water with material and living components of the environment, and hydrologic responses to natural and human-induced changes. Research supported by the program spans observational, experimental, theoretical, and modeling approaches. Key topics include: - Hydrologic processes such as rainfall, runoff, infiltration, subsurface flow, evaporation, and transpiration. - Fluxes of water in soils, aquifers, and streams. - Hydrologic transport of dissolved solutes and sediment. - Coupling of hydrological processes with ecological, geochemical, food and energy, and socio-ecological systems. - Hydrologic responses to changes in land use, climate, or watershed management. The program encourages interdisciplinary and collaborative work, including partnerships with other NSF divisions, federal agencies, and international collaborators. Projects may involve innovative data integration, modeling across scales, and the application of new technologies (e.g., remote sensing, geophysical methods). Broader impacts are emphasized, such as engaging diverse communities, developing infrastructure, translating research for societal benefit, and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the geosciences. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals accepted anytime --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: ~$12,000,000 per year (pending availability) - Typical award size: $250,000–$700,000 over 2–4 years - Award ceiling: $1,000,000 - Award floor: $30,000 - Approximately 20–30 awards made annually --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - U.S.-based institutions of higher education (two- and four-year, including community colleges) accredited in and having a campus located in the U.S., acting on behalf of their faculty members. - U.S.-based non-profit, non-academic organizations directly associated with educational or research activities (e.g., independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies). - International branch campuses of U.S. institutions may participate if justified and if activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus. There are no restrictions on who may serve as PI. There are no limits on the number of proposals per organization or per PI/co-PI, but note NSF Division of Earth Sciences resubmission policies. --- ## Application Process - Proposals may be submitted via [NSF Research.gov](https://www.research.gov/) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/). - No letters of intent or preliminary proposals required. - All proposals must follow the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1). - Data Management Plan required, adhering to the [EAR Division Data Sharing Policy](https://www.nsf.gov/geo/geo-data-policies/ear/index.jsp). - Collaborative, RAPID, or conference proposals require prior discussion with a Program Officer. - For projects involving international, federal, or tribal collaborations, additional documentation and justification may be required. --- ## Additional Information - Cost sharing is not required and voluntary committed cost sharing is prohibited. - Equipment requests within proposals should not exceed $50,000 without prior discussion. - Proposals are reviewed based on NSF’s standard merit review criteria: Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. - Annual and final project reports, including data and broader impacts reporting, are required for funded projects. --- ## External Links - [NSF Hydrologic Sciences Program Page](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/hydrologic-sciences/13684) - [Full Solicitation (NSF 22-540)](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf22540) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359318) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|------------------| | General Program Inquiries | [hydro@nsf.gov](mailto:hydro@nsf.gov)| (703) 292-8550 | | Laura Lautz, Program Officer | [llautz@nsf.gov](mailto:llautz@nsf.gov)| (703) 292-7775 | | Hendratta Ali, Program Officer | [heali@nsf.gov](mailto:heali@nsf.gov)| (703) 292-2468 | | Chris Lowry, Program Officer | [cslowry@nsf.gov](mailto:cslowry@nsf.gov)| (703) 292-8825 | | NSF Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | | | Research.gov Help Desk | [rgov@nsf.gov](mailto:rgov@nsf.gov) | 1-800-673-6188 | | NSF Information Center | | (703) 292-5111 | ---

Hydrologic Sciences (HS)

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