Emerging Mathematics in Biology (eMB)
This grant funds innovative mathematical research to solve important biological and public health problems, including foundational work in AI, across all levels of biological systems.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: March 2, 2026 | March 1, 2027
Funding Amounts: Estimated $2–6 million total annually; typical award duration up to 3 years; 10–15 awards expected per year.
Summary: Supports integrative research developing innovative mathematical approaches to address significant biological questions, including foundational work in AI/ML for biology.
Description
The program supports research at the interface of mathematics and biology, encouraging the development of innovative mathematical theories, techniques, and methodologies to address complex biological challenges. Projects may focus on novel applications of established mathematics or the creation of new mathematical frameworks, particularly those enabling mechanistic insight or explainable AI/ML approaches in biological contexts. The program aims for balanced collaboration between mathematical and biological sciences, advancing understanding of dynamic, heterogeneous biological systems at all scales.
Priority topics include, but are not limited to:
- Mathematical foundations of AI/ML/DL for biological applications
- Modeling with limited, noisy, or heterogeneous biological data
- Probabilistic and deterministic modeling frameworks
- Applications in genomics, organismal development, physiology, neuroscience, ecological and evolutionary processes
- Mathematical modeling of organism-environment interactions and public health challenges
The program encourages new collaborations and the training of students and postdocs at the mathematics-biology interface, with an emphasis on broadening participation in STEM.
