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Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences: Investigator-initiated research projects (MCB)
MCB Core Proposal Submission through Research.gov
The NSF Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) has implemented a requirement for submission of full proposals via Research.gov (or Grants.gov) for certain program solicitations, including the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences: Investigator-initiated research projects solicitation (NSF 21-509). If you have already started a proposal in FastLane, don’t worry, you can still submit it via FastLane. But if you are starting a new proposal, please do so via Research.gov. For more information see the Dear Colleague Letter, NSF 20-129, about this change.
Additional information, including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and video tutorials, is available on the Research.gov "About Proposal Preparation and Submission" webpage. The NSF Help Desk also is available for those who encounter issues with proposal preparation or submission.
Please direct your comments and questions about this change to BIOnodeadline@nsf.gov.
| Name | Phone | Room | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Cunningham | mcb-cdf@nsf.gov | (703) 292-2283 | |
| Manju M. Hingorani | mcb-gm@nsf.gov | (703) 292-7323 | |
| Marcia E. Newcomer | mcb-mb@nsf.gov | (703) 292-4778 | |
| David Rockcliffe | mcb-ssb@nsf.gov | (703) 292-7123 |
PROGRAM GUIDELINES
Solicitation 21-509Important Information for Proposers
A revised version of the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 22-1), is effective for proposals submitted, or due, on or after October 4, 2021. Please be advised that, depending on the specified due date, the guidelines contained in NSF 22-1 may apply to proposals submitted in response to this funding opportunity.
DUE DATES
Full Proposal Accepted Anytime
SYNOPSIS
The Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB) supports quantitative, mechanistic, predictive, and theory-driven fundamental research designed to promote understanding of complex living systems at the molecular, subcellular, and cellular levels. While recognizing the need for thorough and accurate descriptions of biological complexes and pathways, the priority of the Division is to support work that advances the field by capturing the predictive power of mechanistic, quantitative, and evolutionary approaches.
Proposals are solicited to support research relevant to the four MCB core clusters:
MCB gives high priority to research projects that use theory, methods, and technologies from life and physical sciences, mathematics, computational sciences, and engineering to address major biological questions that elucidate the rules governing subcellular and cellular processes. Research supported by MCB uses a range of experimental and computational approaches--including in vivo, in vitro and in silico strategies--and a broad spectrum of model and non-model organisms, including microbes and plants. Typical research supported by MCB integrates theory and experimentation. Projects are particularly welcome that address the emerging areas of: multi-scale integration; transformative methods and resources (when driven by compelling biological questions); molecular and cellular evolution; the synthesis of life-like systems; and the quantitative prediction of the phenome from genomic information. Highest funding priority is given to applications that have outstanding intellectual merit and strong broader impacts, while proposals with weaknesses in either category (or those that are perceived as likely to have an incremental impact) will not be competitive. Proposals that are motivated by relevance to human health and disease treatment are not appropriate for the Division and will be returned without review.
What Has Been Funded (Recent Awards Made Through This Program, with Abstracts)