Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Core Programs

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Description

The National Science Foundation's Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB) Core Programs fund research that uncovers the fundamental properties of living systems at atomic, molecular, subcellular, and cellular levels. The program emphasizes projects that advance mechanistic, quantitative, and predictive understanding of the structure, function, and evolution of molecular and cellular systems. Interdisciplinary approaches are strongly encouraged, including integration with chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physics.

MCB supports both discovery-driven and use-inspired research, including high-risk, potentially transformative ideas. Projects may utilize a wide range of model and non-model organisms and are encouraged to bridge intellectual boundaries between MCB clusters or with other biological subdisciplines.

Special tracks include:

• EXPAND MCB in EPSCoR: For capacity-building collaborations led by organizations in EPSCoR jurisdictions.
• Integrative Research in Biology (IntBIO): For collaborative, cross-disciplinary projects that address bold, integrative questions in biology.

Proposals that address priority areas such as biotechnology, the bioeconomy, and resilience to environmental change are particularly welcome. While basic research with potential health impacts is eligible, projects focused solely on human disease and treatment are generally outside the program's scope unless they significantly advance other scientific fields.

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Due Dates

• Full Proposals: Accepted at any time (no deadline)
• CAREER, MCA, and other special programs: Follow their respective deadlines

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Funding Amount

• Total Program Funding: Approximately $110 million per year for new awards
• Number of Awards: ~120 annually
• Award Size/Duration: Varies by project scope; typical duration is 3–5 years

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Eligibility

• Who May Apply:
  • U.S. institutions of higher education (two- and four-year, including community colleges)
  • Non-profit, non-academic organizations (e.g., independent museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies) directly associated with educational or research activities
• PI/Co-PI Restrictions: None
• Number of Proposals: No limit per PI, co-PI, or organization
• Special Tracks:
  • EXPAND MCB in EPSCoR: Lead organization must be in an EPSCoR jurisdiction and collaborate with another organization (inside or outside EPSCoR)
  • IntBIO: Must span sub-disciplinary boundaries within the BIO Directorate

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Application Process

• Submission Platforms: Research.gov or Grants.gov
• Proposal Preparation: Follow the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)
• Letters of Intent/Pre-proposals: Not required
• Special Requirements:
  • Safe and Inclusive Fieldwork (SAIF) Plan: Required for off-campus/off-site research
  • Data Management and Sharing Plan: Required for all proposals; must address specimen/data accession if applicable
  • Supplementary Documents: As needed for education/broadening participation activities (e.g., REU, RET, INTERN)
• Special Track Instructions:
  • EXPAND: Proposal title must begin with "EXPAND:"
  • IntBIO: Proposal title must begin with "IntBIO:" and include a graphical integration plan

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Additional Information

• Review Criteria: NSF's standard criteria—Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts—plus track-specific criteria for EXPAND and IntBIO proposals
• Cost Sharing: Not required or allowed
• Indirect Costs: No special limitations
• Renewals and Supplements: Renewal, Accomplishment-Based Renewal, RAPID, EAGER, RAISE, GOALI, and other proposal types accepted (see solicitation for details)
• Broader Impacts: Strongly encouraged to include diverse participation (e.g., underrepresented groups, MSIs, PUIs, two-year colleges)
• Health-Related Research: Must advance broader scientific fields, not solely focused on human disease/treatment

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External Links

• NSF MCB Core Programs Solicitation
• Download Solicitation PDF
• NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)
• MCB Program Clusters:
  • Cellular Dynamics and Function
  • Genetic Mechanisms
  • Molecular Biophysics
  • Systems and Synthetic Biology
• EPSCoR Program Information
• Integrative Research in Biology (IntBIO)
• NSF Build America, Buy America

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Contact Information

For the most current contacts and program updates, visit the NSF MCB program page.