Core Research in Biological Sciences (BIO Core)
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 17, 2076 (Proposals Accepted Anytime)
Funding Amounts: Total program funding up to $280,000,000; minimum award size $500,000; ~300 awards anticipated; project durations and budgets vary.
Summary: Supports foundational and interdisciplinary research across the biological sciences at any level of organization, from molecules to biomes.
Description
This funding opportunity from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) supports fundamental and interdisciplinary research that advances knowledge in the biological sciences. The program welcomes proposals spanning all levels of biological organization—from molecular and cellular to organismal, ecological, and biome scales. It covers both traditional topics historically funded by NSF BIO and new, emerging areas of biology.
The solicitation is designed to be inclusive of a wide variety of research approaches, including single- and multi-investigator projects, exploratory studies, and long-term, high-impact research. The program places particular emphasis on intellectually ambitious, potentially transformative research, including work that leverages new technologies (such as AI and automation), fosters cross-disciplinary collaborations, and supports early-career investigators. Projects are expected to demonstrate scientific rigor, transparency, and the potential to advance fundamental understanding in biology, with a focus on basic research rather than product development or commercial application.
