Supports research on how the properties of organisms emerge from the interactions of developmental processes. Focus areas include plant, fungal and microbial development; animal development; and the evolution of developmental mechanisms
Supports research on how the properties of organisms emerge from the interactions of developmental processes. Focus areas include plant, fungal and microbial development; animal development; and the evolution of developmental mechanisms
Synopsis
NSF BIO supports mechanistic research on how the properties of organisms emerge through developmental processes.
Research is supported on the mechanisms by which properties of organisms emerge and change across space and time at all stages of an organism’s life cycle. Focus areas include plant, fungal and microbial development; animal development; and the evolution of developmental mechanisms.
Holistic and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding developmental processes at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels of organization are of interest. This could include using molecular, genetic, biochemical, and/or physiological techniques, as well as techniques from outside of biology. Studies that investigate fundamental developmental biology questions that could translate to societal impacts, and studies into how the intrinsic and extrinsic environment interacts with development and evolutionary dynamics are of particular interest. Investigations into how emergent properties result in the development of complex phenotypes and lead to the evolution of developmental mechanisms are welcomed.
Proposals are accepted in the three areas below:
Plant, Fungal and Microbial Developmental Mechanisms
Research that addresses developmental processes in plants from algae to angiosperms, microbes and fungi.
Animal Developmental Mechanisms
Research that seeks to understand the processes that result in the complex phenotypes of animals. Because different organisms may be more amenable to certain approaches than others, analyses of development in a wide range of different species are encouraged.
Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms
Research to discover the developmental processes that are shared by all organisms, and those processes that produce diversity such as phenotypic variation within a species and/or between species. For example, elucidating how gene networks are modified to generate different phenotypic outcomes. Understanding these processes will likely require inter-disciplinary and collaborative approaches using a wide range of organisms.