NSF BIO Core funds foundational and interdisciplinary research in all areas of biology, supporting projects of various sizes and durations, from molecules to ecosystems.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: August 21, 2076 (Full proposal final closing date; proposals accepted anytime)
Funding Amounts: Estimated total program funding: $280,000,000 | Typical awards: $500,000 minimum; 250–300 awards expected; duration and size vary
Summary: Supports foundational and interdisciplinary research that advances knowledge of biological sciences at any organizational scale, from molecular to biome.
This opportunity from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Biological Sciences funds fundamental and interdisciplinary research that advances biological knowledge at any level, from molecules to biomes. Proposals may address scientific topics covered by legacy NSF BIO programs or explore new frontiers in biological sciences. The program aims to support a diverse portfolio of projects, including both exploratory research of smaller scope and ambitious, long-term investigations. NSF encourages intellectually ambitious, potentially transformative research, as well as projects that leverage emerging technologies such as AI, advanced computation, and automation to enable new scientific approaches. Proposals may come from single investigators, collaborative groups, or consortia.