Mathematical Biology

The Mathematical Biology program supports research in all areas of mathematical sciences with relevance to the biological sciences. Successful proposals must demonstrate mathematical innovation, biological relevance and significance, and strong integration between mathematics and biology (including mathematical cognizance of biological issues and the applicability/feasibility of the new mathematical results or modeling tools to real biological systems). Projects of interest to the Mathematical Biology program include development of mathematical theories, methodologies, and tools traditionally seen in other disciplinary mathematical sciences programs within the NSF Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences. 

In addition to the program’s inherent interests in foundational mathematics and classical topics in mathematical biology, the Mathematical Biology program encourages the development of innovative mathematical approaches by interdisciplinary teams to investigate challenging questions of great interest to biologists and public health policymakers.

The Mathematical Biology program regularly seeks joint reviews of proposals with programs in the NSF Directorate for Biological Sciences and other relevant NSF programs. Investigators are encouraged to discuss their project with program officers in relevant areas to determine whether it could be considered by more than one program. If a proposal is appropriate for review by more than one NSF program, contact the program officers to determine when and where the proposal should be submitted.  

Target submission date: Proposals should be submitted to MPS Mathematical Sciences Research Programs solicitation. Target date for submissions is the  Second Tuesday in October.

 While proposals are accepted anytime, proposers are highly encouraged to submit by the target date to ensure consideration during the corresponding panel review cycle.

Conferences   

Proposals for Mathematical Biology conferences, workshops, summer/winter schools, and similar activities must be submitted to the MPS Mathematical Sciences Research Programs solicitation using the "conference" or “travel” proposal type in research.gov. Proposers should select Mathematical Biology as the program of interest. For proposals seeking no more than $50,000, submit at least six months in advance of the conference or workshop date. For proposals seeking more than $50,000, submit at least nine months in advance of the conference or workshop date.