The Dynamics of Coupled Natural and Human Systems Program at the U.S. National Science Foundation: lessons learned in interdisciplinary funding program development and management

The U.S. National Science Foundation has conducted a Dynamics of Coupled Natural and Human Systems competition since 2001 to support research that examines processes functioning within relevant natural systems and human systems as well as the ways that natural system processes affect human systems and human systems affect natural system dynamics. Among keys to this program's success have been its provision of a stable target for researchers while remaining open to new approaches and ideas, and its attention to challenges associated with its distinctive position in the NSF administrative structure.