Opportunity Information: Apply for 23 546
The National Science Foundation (NSF) grant opportunity titled "Incorporating Human Behavior in Epidemiological Models" (IHBEM), Funding Opportunity Number 23-546, supports research projects that improve epidemiological modeling by explicitly incorporating how people and societies behave. The central aim is to move beyond models that treat human behavior as fixed or purely theoretical by integrating evidence-based social, behavioral, and economic processes into mathematical and computational frameworks used to understand and forecast disease dynamics. In practice, this means proposals should connect epidemiological transmission and intervention modeling with realistic drivers of behavior such as risk perception, compliance and fatigue with public health guidance, social norms, mobility and contact decisions, misinformation and communication effects, economic constraints, and policy responses, among other factors that shape how outbreaks unfold.
A defining feature of the program is the expectation of genuinely interdisciplinary work, with balanced participation from the mathematical sciences and the social, behavioral, and economic sciences. NSF is looking for teams (or tightly integrated collaborations) where the behavioral and social science components are not an add-on, and where the mathematical modeling is not merely a wrapper around qualitative insights. Competitive projects typically make clear how behavioral theory and empirical findings will be translated into model structure, parameters, or decision rules, and how the modeling work will, in turn, generate new testable hypotheses or insights relevant to behavioral and social science. The emphasis on balance signals that both sides of the collaboration should meaningfully shape the research questions, methods, and outputs.
This opportunity is categorized as a discretionary, research and development grant within the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category. It is associated with CFDA numbers 47.049, 47.074, 47.075, and 93.279, reflecting its placement within NSF research portfolios and cross-cutting relevance to health-related modeling. The program anticipates making around 15 awards. The listed award ceiling is 0, which typically indicates that a fixed maximum award amount is not specified in the summary field and that applicants should consult the full solicitation and NSF guidance for expected budgets, project duration norms, and any programmatic constraints.
The original timeline indicates the opportunity was created on January 12, 2023, with an original closing date of April 14, 2023. While those dates describe that particular competition cycle, the program description captures the broader funding interest: advancing epidemiological models that better represent the feedback loop between disease spread and human decisions. This includes situations where behavior changes in response to perceived risk or policy, and where those behavioral changes then alter transmission, which can further influence behavior again. Research supported under IHBEM is therefore positioned to improve the realism and usefulness of epidemic forecasting and intervention analysis, especially when human choices, social networks, and economic tradeoffs strongly shape outcomes.
Eligibility is listed as "Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification)," meaning eligibility is not fully defined in the brief summary provided and would normally require checking the full funding announcement for specifics (for example, whether it is limited to U.S.-based institutions, which organization types are allowed, and whether there are restrictions on roles such as PI or co-PI). The administering agency is the National Science Foundation, indicating the program is fundamentally research-focused and aligned with NSF priorities in advancing foundational knowledge and interdisciplinary scientific innovation.Apply for 23 546
- The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Incorporating Human Behavior in Epidemiological Models" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.049, 47.074, 47.075, 93.279.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jan 12, 2023.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 14, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 15 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NSF Incorporating Human Behavior in Epidemiological Models (IHBEM) - Funding Opportunity Number 23-546
What is the NSF IHBEM grant opportunity?
The National Science Foundation (NSF) funding opportunity titled "Incorporating Human Behavior in Epidemiological Models" (IHBEM), Funding Opportunity Number 23-546, supports research that improves epidemiological modeling by explicitly incorporating how people and societies behave into the models used to understand and forecast disease dynamics.
What is the main goal of IHBEM?
The central goal is to move beyond epidemiological models that treat human behavior as fixed or purely theoretical by integrating evidence-based social, behavioral, and economic processes into mathematical and computational epidemiological frameworks.
What kinds of projects are a good fit for this program?
Projects are a strong fit when they connect disease transmission and intervention modeling with realistic drivers of human behavior. Competitive proposals typically show how empirical behavioral and social science findings will be translated into model structure, parameters, or decision rules, and how the resulting models will produce new testable hypotheses or insights relevant to behavioral and social science.
What does "incorporating human behavior" mean in practice for epidemiological models?
In practice, it means explicitly modeling how behavioral and societal factors influence disease spread and the effectiveness of interventions. This includes representing how behavior changes over time and in response to outbreaks or policies, rather than assuming static compliance or fixed contact rates.
What behavioral or social factors does the solicitation highlight as relevant?
The opportunity description highlights factors such as risk perception, compliance and fatigue with public health guidance, social norms, mobility and contact decisions, misinformation and communication effects, economic constraints, and policy responses, among other drivers that shape outbreak dynamics.
Why is interdisciplinarity emphasized in IHBEM?
A defining feature of the program is the expectation of genuinely interdisciplinary work with balanced participation from the mathematical sciences and the social, behavioral, and economic sciences. NSF is looking for integrated collaborations where neither component is treated as an add-on.
What does "balanced participation" mean for project teams?
Balanced participation means the behavioral and social science components should meaningfully shape the research questions, methods, and outputs, and the mathematical modeling should be more than a wrapper around qualitative insights. Both sides of the collaboration are expected to contribute substantively to the project design and results.
Can a proposal be competitive if the social/behavioral component is added after the modeling is designed?
Based on the program description, the expectation is that the collaboration is tightly integrated. The solicitation specifically signals that behavioral and social science should not be an add-on, suggesting that proposals are expected to integrate these components from the start in ways that affect the modeling framework and research direction.
How should behavioral theory and evidence show up in the modeling work?
The program description indicates that competitive projects typically explain how behavioral theory and empirical findings will be translated into concrete modeling elements such as model structure, parameters, or decision rules, rather than being included only as narrative context.
What kinds of outputs or advances is NSF seeking from funded research?
The opportunity is positioned to improve the realism and usefulness of epidemic forecasting and intervention analysis by better representing feedback loops between disease spread and human decisions. It also emphasizes that modeling work should generate new testable hypotheses or insights relevant to behavioral and social science.
What is meant by the "feedback loop" between disease spread and human behavior?
The description emphasizes situations where behavior changes in response to perceived risk or policy, those behavioral changes alter transmission, and the updated transmission dynamics can then influence behavior again. IHBEM-supported work aims to capture this iterative, two-way interaction within epidemiological models.
What type of funding mechanism is this opportunity?
The opportunity is categorized as a discretionary, research and development grant within the "Science and Technology and other Research and Development" activity category.
What is the administering agency for IHBEM?
The administering agency is the National Science Foundation (NSF).
How many awards does NSF anticipate making under this opportunity?
The program anticipates making around 15 awards.
Is there a maximum award amount (award ceiling) listed?
The listed award ceiling is 0, which typically indicates that a fixed maximum award amount is not specified in the summary field. Applicants would normally consult the full solicitation and NSF guidance for expected budgets, typical project duration, and any program constraints.
What are the CFDA numbers associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is associated with CFDA numbers 47.049, 47.074, 47.075, and 93.279.
When was this opportunity created and what was the original closing date?
The opportunity was created on January 12, 2023, and the original closing date listed for that competition cycle was April 14, 2023.
Are the listed dates the only time the program is available?
The provided information describes a particular competition cycle, but the program description reflects a broader funding interest in advancing epidemiological models that represent behavioral-disease feedback. For current availability or deadlines, the full solicitation would typically need to be checked.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is listed as "Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification)," which indicates eligibility is not fully defined in the brief summary provided. Determining who can apply would normally require reviewing the full funding announcement for details such as eligible institution types, location requirements, and role restrictions (for example, PI/co-PI limitations).
Does the summary specify whether applicants must be U.S.-based institutions?
No. The summary notes that eligibility details are not fully defined there and would typically require checking the full solicitation for specifics such as whether the program is limited to U.S.-based institutions.
What is the program trying to improve in epidemic forecasting and intervention analysis?
The program is aimed at improving the realism and usefulness of epidemic forecasting and intervention analysis by modeling how human choices, social networks, and economic tradeoffs shape disease outcomes, and by explicitly accounting for how behavior responds to risk and policy.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: Strengthening an Integrated Comprehensive Approach for HIV Services for Adolescents and Young People through Determined, Resilient, AIDS-Free Mentored and Safe (DREAMS) Program in Zimbabwe under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PE
Previous opportunity: Long-Acting Injectables for the Treatment of HIV in Non-Clinic Community-Based Settings
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for 23 546
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (23 546) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Field Initiated Projects Program: Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) - Development Apply for HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR IFST 0000 Funding Number: HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR IFST 0000 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Field Initiated Projects Program: Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) -Research Apply for HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR IFST 0009 Funding Number: HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR IFST 0009 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (TBIMS) Centers Collaborative Research Project Apply for HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR DPTB 0000 Funding Number: HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR DPTB 0000 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $900,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2023 Lending Library - Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (LL-DURIP) Apply for FOA AFRL AFOSR 2023 0002 Funding Number: FOA AFRL AFOSR 2023 0002 Agency: Department of Defense, Air Force Office of Scientific Research Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR Entangled Logical Qubits (ELQ) Apply for W911NF 23 S 0004 Funding Number: W911NF 23 S 0004 Agency: Department of Defense, Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIJ FY23 W.E.B. Du Bois Program of Research on Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Justice System Apply for O NIJ 2023 171519 Funding Number: O NIJ 2023 171519 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Expanding Capacity in Quantum Information Science and Engineering Apply for 23 551 Funding Number: 23 551 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program: RERC on Rehabilitation Strategies, Techniques, and Interventions Apply for HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR REGE 0096 Funding Number: HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR REGE 0096 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $925,000 |
| Lunar Surface Technology Research (LuSTR) Opportunites Apply for 80HQTR23NOA01 23LUSTR B5 Funding Number: 80HQTR23NOA01 23LUSTR B5 Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| National Science Foundation - Future of Semiconductors Apply for 23 552 Funding Number: 23 552 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| NIJ FY23 Graduate Research Fellowship Apply for O NIJ 2023 171521 Funding Number: O NIJ 2023 171521 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $166,500 |
| Physical and Networking Layer Prototype (PNLP) Apply for N00014 23 S BC05 Funding Number: N00014 23 S BC05 Agency: Department of Defense, Office of Naval Research Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| IUSE/Professional Formation of Engineers: Revolutionizing Engineering Departments Apply for 23 553 Funding Number: 23 553 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| NIJ FY23 Research on the Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation of Older Adults Apply for O NIJ 2023 171526 Funding Number: O NIJ 2023 171526 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Research Interests of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research Apply for FA9550 23 S 0001 Funding Number: FA9550 23 S 0001 Agency: Department of Defense, Air Force Office of Scientific Research Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $100,000,000 |
| Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Disability in Rural Communities Apply for HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR RTCP 0027 Funding Number: HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR RTCP 0027 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $875,000 |
| DoD Peer Reviewed Medical, Discovery Award Apply for HT9425 23 PRMRP DA Funding Number: HT9425 23 PRMRP DA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Peer Reviewed Medical, Clinical Trial Award Apply for HT9425 23 PRMRP CTA Funding Number: HT9425 23 PRMRP CTA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Peer Reviewed Medical, Focused Program Award Apply for HT9425 23 PRMRP FPA Funding Number: HT9425 23 PRMRP FPA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Peer Reviewed Medical, Investigator-Initiated Research Award Apply for HT9425 23 PRMRP IIRA Funding Number: HT9425 23 PRMRP IIRA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "23 546", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.