[U.S. National Science Foundation](https://www.nsf.gov)

Proposals accepted anytime

$300,000–$800,000 per award; approx. $16–18M total program funding; 20–40 awards expected

Supports the development of novel or significantly improved research tools, methods, and infrastructure to advance biological sciences across bioinformatics, instrumentation, and research methods.

--- ## Description This program supports research focused on designing novel or greatly improved research tools and methods that advance contemporary biology in any area supported by the NSF Directorate for Biological Sciences. The program targets infrastructure that is broadly applicable to the research community, specifically in the areas of Bioinformatics, Instrumentation, and Research Methods. Projects may develop new infrastructure, significantly redesign existing infrastructure, or adapt current infrastructure in innovative ways. Proposals must demonstrate significant relevance to biological science questions and have the potential for use by a broader research community beyond a single team. High-risk/high-reward proposals are encouraged, and projects should clearly articulate their innovative aspects and anticipated impact. Proposals focused primarily on human disease, clinical, or drug design research are not eligible. The program also emphasizes broadening participation in STEM and expects applicants to address broader impacts and dissemination plans. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals are accepted at any time; there are no fixed deadlines. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical award size: $300,000–$800,000 per project. - Estimated total program funding: $16–18 million. - Expected number of awards: 20–40. - Award type: Standard Grant, Continuing Grant, or Cooperative Agreement. - No cost-sharing or matching required. --- ## Eligibility - **Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs):** Accredited two- and four-year U.S. IHEs (including community colleges), acting on behalf of their faculty. - International branch campuses of U.S. IHEs may participate if justified and if activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus. - **Non-profit, non-academic organizations:** U.S.-based independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar organizations directly associated with educational or research activities. - **Principal Investigator (PI):** No restrictions or limits on who may serve as PI. - No institutional or individual limits on the number of proposals. --- ## Application Process - Proposals may be submitted via [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/). - No letter of intent or preliminary proposal required. - Prepare proposals in accordance with the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg) or the [NSF Grants.gov Application Guide](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=grantsgovguide). - Proposals must include: - Project summary and description (max 15 pages) - Data Management and Sharing Plan (including specimen management if applicable) - Safe and Harassment-free Fieldwork (SAHF) Plan for off-campus/off-site research - Budget justification and supporting documentation - For certain proposal types (e.g., RAPID, EAGER, RAISE), pre-approval from a Program Officer is required. - Conference and travel proposals should be submitted at least 6 months before the event. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals must focus on infrastructure broadly applicable to the biological sciences community and not solely benefit a single research team. - Cost sharing is not allowed. - For activities involving specimen collection, a detailed specimen management plan is required. - Education supplements are generally not provided post-award, except for Career-Life-Balance supplements. - All proposals must address broader impacts and include dissemination strategies. - Compliance with Build America, Buy America Act is required for equipment and materials. --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Solicitation (NSF 23-578)](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/innovation-infrastructure-innovation-biological-research/nsf23-578/solicitation) - [NSF Publication 23-578](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf23578) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg) - [Apply via Grants.gov](https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/jsf/workspace/createWorkspace.faces?activityID=CreateWorkspace&cleanSession=1&oppId=347680) --- ## Contact Information | Program Area | Email | Phone | |--------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|----------------| | Bioinformatics | [DBIBioinformatics@nsf.gov](mailto:DBIBioinformatics@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8470 | | Instrumentation | [DBIInstrumentation@nsf.gov](mailto:DBIInstrumentation@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8470 | | Research Methods | [DBIInnovationMethods@nsf.gov](mailto:DBIInnovationMethods@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8470 | | Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | 1-800-518-4726 | | NSF Information Center | [info@nsf.gov](mailto:info@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-5111 | For technical assistance with proposal submission: - [Research.gov Help Desk](mailto:rgov@nsf.gov) | 1-800-673-6188 For general NSF inquiries: - [Contact NSF](https://new.nsf.gov/about/contact-us)

Infrastructure Innovation for Biological Research

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