Biocomplexity in the Environment (BE): Integrated Research and Education in Environmental Systems    

CONTACTS

• For contacts in Dynamics of Coupled Natural and Human Systems, see www.nsf.gov/geo/be-04.jsp#cnh.
• For contacts in Coupled Biogeochemical Cycles, see www.nsf.gov/geo/be-04.jsp#cbc.
• For contacts in Genome-Enabled Environmental Science & Engineering, see www.nsf.gov/geo/be-04.jsp#genen.
• For contacts in Instrumentation Development for Environmental Activities, see www.nsf.gov/geo/be-04.jsp#idea.
• For contacts in Materials Use: Science, Engineering, & Society, see www.nsf.gov/geo/be-04.jsp#muses.
• For contacts about the integrative element on Education, see www.nsf.gov/geo/be-04.jsp#edu.
• For contacts about the integrative element on Global Perspective, see www.nsf.gov/geo/be-04.jsp#gp.
• For contacts about the integrative element on Quantitative Approaches, see www.nsf.gov/geo/be-04.jsp#qa.

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

Solicitation  03-597

Please be advised that the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) includes revised guidelines to implement the mentoring provisions of the America COMPETES Act (ACA) (Pub. L. No. 110-69, Aug. 9, 2007.) As specified in the ACA, each proposal that requests funding to support postdoctoral researchers must include a description of the mentoring activities that will be provided for such individuals. Proposals that do not comply with this requirement will be returned without review (see the PAPP Guide Part I: Grant Proposal Guide Chapter II for further information about the implementation of this new requirement).

DUE DATES

Archived

SYNOPSIS

This competition continues the Foundation's support of the Biocomplexity in the Environment Priority Area and promotes comprehensive, integrated investigations of environmental systems using advanced scientific and engineering methods. The concept of biocomplexity stresses the richness of biological systems and their capacity for adaptation and self-organizing behavior. By placing biocomplexity studies in an environmental context, this competition emphasizes research with the following characteristics: (a) a high degree of interdisciplinarity; (b) a focus on complex environmental systems that includes non-human biota or humans; and (c) a focus on systems with high potential for exhibiting non-linear behavior. In FY 2004 and FY 2005, five topical areas will be emphasized: 1. Dynamics of Coupled Natural and Human Systems (CNH); 2. Coupled Biogeochemical Cycles (CBC); 3. Genome-Enabled Environmental Science and Engineering (GEN-EN); 4. Instrumentation Development for Environmental Activities (IDEA); 5. Materials Use: Science, Engineering, & Society (MUSES).

In all areas, quantitative modeling, simulation, analysis, and visualization methods are emphasized, as well as integration of education and a global perspective. Consistent with the guidance provided in each of the five topical areas, individuals or small groups may submit proposals to conduct research projects or exploratory and planning activities. This comprehensive approach to research on biocomplexity in the environment is expected to improve science-based predictive capabilities for decision-making.

Abstracts of Recent Awards Made Through This Program