Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants Program
This grant funds research to help federal agencies assess the ecological risks of genetically engineered organisms created using advanced genetic techniques.
Funder: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Due Dates: July 1, 2026: Letter of Intent deadline (5:00 P.M. Eastern Time; LOI encouraged but not required) | July 13, 2026: Application / Full submission deadline (5:00 P.M. Eastern Time)
Funding Amounts: $25,000–$650,000 per award (Standard Research); up to $50,000 (Workshop); approx. $5,000,000 total program funding; project duration 2–4 years
Summary: Supports research to inform science-based federal regulatory decisions on ecological risks of introducing genetically engineered organisms.
Description
This program funds research to generate new information for federal regulatory agencies to make science-based decisions about the ecological effects of introducing genetically engineered (GE) organisms. Supported research should address environmental risk assessment (ERA) and/or risk management relevant to genetically engineered plants, animals, microorganisms, and related wild and agricultural organisms. Both fundamental and applied projects are eligible, including research on gene flow, dispersal, ecological impacts, management practices, and other topics directly relevant to biotechnology regulation.
The program also supports workshops that convene scientists, regulators, and stakeholders to review data and discuss emerging biotechnology issues. The overarching goal is to aid regulators in developing policies regarding the safe introduction of GE organisms.
