Funder: National Science Foundation
Due Dates: Proposals accepted anytime | Conference proposals: 8 months (US) / 12 months (international) before event
Funding Amounts: No fixed ceiling; typical NSF awards range from 1–5 years, with budgets appropriate to project scope. ~30 awards/year.
Summary: Supports innovative research at the interface of mathematics and biology, emphasizing mathematical innovation, biological significance, and strong integration between the disciplines.
Key Information: No deadline for standard research proposals; contact program officers for EAGER, RAPID, supplements, or conference proposals.
Description
The National Science Foundation's Mathematical Biology Program funds research that advances mathematical sciences with clear relevance to the biological sciences. Projects must demonstrate:
- Mathematical innovation,
- Biological significance,
- Strong integration between mathematics and biology.
The program welcomes proposals that develop new mathematical theories, methodologies, or tools, including those traditionally associated with other areas of the Division of Mathematical Sciences. Joint reviews with other NSF programs, especially in the biological sciences, are common. Investigators are encouraged to consult with program officers if their project could fit multiple NSF programs.
Special mechanisms are available for:
- Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI),
- EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER),
- Rapid Response Research (RAPID),
- Award supplements,
- Conferences, workshops, and group travel.
Due Dates
- Standard research proposals: Accepted at any time (no deadline).
- Conference/workshop proposals (US-based): Submit at least 8 months before the event.
- Group travel to meetings outside the US: Submit at least 12 months before the event.
- EAGER, RAPID, and supplements: Contact program officers before submission.
Funding Amount
- Award size: No fixed maximum; budgets should be appropriate to the project scope.
- Duration: Typically 1–5 years.
- Number of awards: Approximately 30 per year.
- Cost sharing: Not required.
Eligibility
- Eligible applicants: Unrestricted; open to all types of organizations (universities, colleges, non-profits, etc.), subject to NSF policies.
- PI/Co-PI requirements: Must meet NSF eligibility criteria.
- Special categories: RUI proposals have specific requirements—see the RUI program page.
Application Process
- Submission: Proposals must be submitted via NSF FastLane, Research.gov, or Grants.gov.
- Guidelines: Follow the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG).
- Consultation: Contact program officers for guidance, especially for EAGER, RAPID, supplements, or if your project may fit multiple NSF programs.
- Conference/workshop proposals: See the Conferences and Workshops in the Mathematical Sciences solicitation.
- RUI proposals: Review the RUI solicitation for format deviations.
Additional Information
- No deadlines: Standard research proposals are accepted year-round.
- Joint reviews: Projects relevant to multiple NSF programs may be jointly reviewed; discuss with program officers.
- EAGER/RAPID: Must contact program directors before submitting.
- Award supplements: Contact program director prior to submission.
- Conference/travel support: Advance submission required (8–12 months).
- Award conditions: Awards made after October 1, 2024, are subject to updated NSF terms and OMB guidance.
External Links
Contact Information