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

Proposals accepted anytime

~$70M total annually; typical award size and duration vary by project scope (1–5 years).

Supports research on the structure, function, and integration of organisms, welcoming interdisciplinary and systems-based approaches in organismal biology.

--- ## Description The Division of Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS) Core Programs support fundamental research to understand why organisms are structured the way they are and function as they do. Proposals are welcome in all core areas of organismal biology, including developmental biology, nervous system evolution and function, biomechanics, physiology, symbioses, microbial interactions, genomics, and animal behavior. Projects should focus on organisms as fundamental units of biological organization and are encouraged to apply systems, interdisciplinary, or integrative approaches to generate new conceptual and theoretical insights. Two main tracks are available: - **Core Programs Track:** Supports research across all IOS core program areas, including projects that cross disciplinary boundaries. - **Integrative Research in Biology (IntBIO) Track:** Invites collaborative proposals that address bold, integrative biological questions requiring synergy across sub-disciplines, aiming for holistic understanding from molecular to ecosystem scales. Broader impacts such as education, outreach, and broadening participation in STEM are strongly encouraged. The program does not support research focused on human disease mechanisms or therapeutics. --- ## Due Dates - **Proposals accepted anytime** (no fixed deadline) --- ## Funding Amount - **Estimated total program funding:** ~$70,000,000 per year - **Estimated number of awards:** ~150 annually - **Award size/duration:** No minimum; varies according to project scope and duration (projects can range from 1 to 5 years, from small single-investigator to large team projects) --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible institutions:** - U.S.-based accredited two- and four-year Institutions of Higher Education (including community colleges), acting on behalf of faculty. - U.S.-based non-profit, non-academic organizations directly associated with educational or research activities (e.g., independent museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies). - **International branch campuses** of U.S. IHEs may participate with strong justification for why activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus. - **Who may serve as PI:** No restrictions. - **Limits on proposals:** No limit on the number of proposals per organization, PI, or co-PI. --- ## Application Process - **Submission systems:** Proposals may be submitted via [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov). - **Letters of intent/preliminary proposals:** Not required. - **Full proposal requirements:** Must follow the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg) and the [NSF Grants.gov Application Guide](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=grantsgovguide). - **Special requirements:** - Proposals with off-campus/fieldwork components must include a Safe and Harassment-Free Fieldwork (SAHF) Plan as a supplementary document. - Data Management and Sharing Plan is required. - For IntBIO Track: Proposal title must start with "IntBIO:", include a graphical illustration of integration, and describe a collaborative team and integrative training plan. --- ## Additional Information - **Supplemental funding:** Available for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), Research Experiences for Teachers (RET), Research Assistantships for High School Students (RAHSS), Research Opportunity Award (ROA), Career Life Balance, and Mid-Career Investigator Supplements. - **Other proposal types:** Includes CAREER, Mid-Career Advancement (MCA), Research Coordination Networks (RCN), Research at Undergraduate Institutions (RUI), RAPID, EAGER, RAISE, GOALI, planning, travel, and conference proposals. - **Renewal and Accomplishment Based Renewal (ABR) proposals** are accepted. - **Cost sharing:** Not required and voluntary cost sharing is prohibited. - **Special note:** Proposals addressing human disease mechanisms or therapeutics are not supported. --- ## External Links - [Program Solicitation (NSF 24-546)](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf24546) - [Program Page](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/ios-division-integrative-organismal-systems-core-programs/nsf24-546/solicitation) - [Research.gov Submission Portal](https://www.research.gov) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/352499) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg) --- ## Contact Information | Area/Cluster | Email | Phone | |--------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|----------------| | Behavioral Systems | [IOSBSC@nsf.gov](mailto:IOSBSC@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8423 | | Developmental Systems | [IOSDSC@nsf.gov](mailto:IOSDSC@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8417 | | Neural Systems | [IOSNSC@nsf.gov](mailto:IOSNSC@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8421 | | Physiological & Structural Systems | [IOSPSS@nsf.gov](mailto:IOSPSS@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8413 | | Plant Genome Research | [dbipgr@nsf.gov](mailto:dbipgr@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8420 | | General NSF Help Desk | [info@nsf.gov](mailto:info@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-5111 | For issues with Grants.gov submissions: [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) For technical support with Research.gov: [rgov@nsf.gov](mailto:rgov@nsf.gov) / 1-800-381-1532 For Grants.gov support: [support@grants.gov](mailto:support@grants.gov) / 1-800-518-4726 ---

Division of Integrative Organismal Systems Core Programs

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