About Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB)

The Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB) supports fundamental research and related activities designed to promote understanding of complex living systems at the molecular, subcellular, and cellular levels.   The Division supports research across a broad spectrum of experimental systems, ranging from organisms, such as plants and microbes, to the use of in silico approaches.  As stated in the Grant Proposal Guide, proposals to conduct research motivated primarily by relevance to human diseases and health are not appropriate for the division and will be returned without review.

Typical research in areas supported by MCB integrates theory and experimentation and utilizes technologies derived from biological, physical, mathematical, computational and engineering sciences. Projects that address the emerging areas of single molecule or single cell studies, molecular dynamics, small RNA biology, and synthetic biology are particularly welcome.  The Division is also interested in projects aimed at understanding and predicting the molecular and cellular underpinnings of adaptation to environmental change. 

MCB continues to forge partnerships to support research at the interfaces of biology and physical sciences or engineering, to introduce new analytical and conceptual tools for biological research, and to provide unique education and training opportunities for the next generation of researchers, scientific educators, and scientifically literate citizens.

Highest funding priority is given to applications that are outstanding in both intellectual merit and broader impacts.  Successful proposals often demonstrate close integration of scientific and educational aims, and the division encourages creative activities that broaden participation and stimulate an appreciation and curiosity for molecular and cell biology among the widest possible audiences.

The Division considers the following types of proposals:

·     The Division will accept investigator-initiated research proposals only in response to the solicitation 11-545.  Next deadline is September 6, 2011.   Further information is also available in the  Dear Colleague Letter (11-056) and Frequently Asked questions (11-055) .   Proposals received on or before the deadline will be reviewed using ad hoc and panel reviews.

·         The Division supports a variety of Foundation-wide and Directorate-wide activities designed to promote integration of research and education such as the Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) and  Research at Undergraduate Institutions (RUI).  These proposals are reviewed along with regular research proposals using ad hoc and panel reviews.

·         The Division also considers proposals for Grants for Rapid Response Research (RAPID), EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER), and for limited support of special meetings and workshops.  See Chapter II.D (Special Guidelines) of the Grant Proposal Guide for more complete information about these last three types of proposals. Typically, these proposals can be submitted any time and are reviewed internally. Please contact the program director in the area of the proposal if you are interested in submitting a proposal for partial support of a conference or for an EAGER or RAPID project.

More information about the current and future goals and priorities of the BIO Directorate and the MCB Division can be found in the annual BIO Budget excerpts from the NSF Budget Requests to Congress.

Revised May 2011