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

Proposals accepted anytime

Approx. $60 million total annually; award size/duration varies by project scope

Supports research to understand organismal structure, function, and emergent biological properties across diverse systems.

--- ## Description The Division of Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS) within the U.S. National Science Foundation funds research aimed at understanding why organisms are structured the way they are and how they function in their environments. The program welcomes proposals across all IOS core scientific areas, including developmental biology, nervous system function and evolution, biomechanics, physiology, symbioses, genomics, and animal behavior. Projects should focus on organisms as the fundamental unit of biological organization and are encouraged to use integrative, systems-based, or interdisciplinary approaches that provide conceptual and theoretical insights into emergent organismal properties. The program offers two main tracks: - **Core Programs Track:** Supports research in any of the IOS program areas, including projects that cross disciplinary boundaries. - **Rules of Life (RoL) Track:** Supports integrative research to uncover general principles operating across biological scales, from molecules to ecosystems. Special opportunities are available for mid-career investigators, research coordination networks, accomplishment-based renewals, international collaborations (e.g., U.S.-Israel BSF), and supplemental activities (e.g., REU, RET, RAHSS, ROA). --- ## Due Dates - Proposals accepted anytime --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: **$60,000,000 annually** - No minimum or maximum award size; budgets and durations (typically 1–5 years) should be commensurate with project scope - Both small- and large-scale projects are supported --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** Unrestricted; open to all categories of proposers identified in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) - **PI/Co-PI Limits:** None - **Organization Limits:** None - U.S. institutions (colleges/universities, nonprofits, for-profits, government agencies, etc.) and international collaborations (with justification) are eligible --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Proposals may be submitted via [NSF FastLane](https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/). - **Preparation:** Follow the guidelines in the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg). - **Tracks:** Indicate whether the proposal is for the Core Programs or Rules of Life (RoL) track. RoL proposals must involve at least one other BIO division. - **Required Documents:** Project description (max 15 pages), budget, biographical sketches, current/pending support, data management plan (max 2 pages), postdoctoral mentoring plan (if applicable), and supplemental documents as needed (e.g., REU plan, letters of collaboration). - **Review Criteria:** Proposals are evaluated on intellectual merit and broader impacts, plus track-specific criteria for RoL proposals. --- ## Additional Information - **No cost-sharing required.** - **No limits** on the number of proposals per PI, co-PI, or organization. - Supports a wide range of project sizes and durations. - Proposals focusing on human health or disease mechanisms are not appropriate and will be returned without review. - Supplemental funding is available for undergraduate/teacher involvement, career-life balance, and other special circumstances. --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Page](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/iob-division-integrative-organismal-biology-core-programs) - [Full Program Solicitation (NSF 18-586)](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf18586) - [Official Grants.gov Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359573) - [NSF PAPPG](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [IOS Cluster Descriptions](https://nsf.gov/funding/programs.jsp?org=IOS) --- ## Contact Information | Program Area | Email | Phone | |--------------------------|------------------------------------|---------------| | Behavioral Systems | IOSBSC@nsf.gov | (703) 292-8423| | Developmental Systems | IOSDSC@nsf.gov | (703) 292-8417| | Neural Systems | IOSNSC@nsf.gov | (703) 292-8421| | Physiological & Structural Systems | IOSPSS@nsf.gov | (703) 292-8413| - **NSF Grants.gov Support:** grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov - **NSF Information Center:** (703) 292-5111 - [Find additional contacts](https://www.nsf.gov/about/contact-us) ---

Division of Integrative Organismal Biology Core Programs

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