# Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Core Programs

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/21-509-division-of-molecular-and-cellular-biosciences-core-programs/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359331

> U.S. National Science Foundation offered grants to the applicants described in the notice. It expected to make $100 million in total. It is no longer open on Grants.gov.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | 21-509 |
| Agency | U.S. National Science Foundation |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | not set |
| Award ceiling | not stated |
| Award floor | not stated |
| Expected awards | not stated |
| Total funding | $100 million |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 47.074 |

## Who can apply

- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

*Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: -Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities. -Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of sub-awards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus, and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the US campus.

## What the grant funds

The Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB) supports quantitative, mechanistic, predictive, and theory-driven fundamental research designed to promote understanding of complex living systems at the molecular, subcellular, and cellular levels. While recognizing the need for thorough and accurate descriptions of biological complexes and pathways, the priority of the Division is to support work that advances the field by capturing the predictive power of mechanistic, quantitative, and evolutionary approaches. Proposals are solicited to support research relevant to the four MCB core clusters: Cellular Dynamics and Function Genetic Mechanisms Molecular Biophysics Systems and Synthetic Biology MCB gives high priority to research projects that use theory, methods, and technologies from life and physical sciences, mathematics, computational sciences, and engineering to address major biological questions that elucidate the rules governing subcellular and cellular processes. Research supported by MCB uses a range of experimental and computational approaches--including in vivo, in vitro and in silico strategies--and a broad spectrum of model and non-model organisms, including microbes and plants. Typical research supported by MCB integrates theory and experimentation. Projects are particularly welcome that address the emerging areas of: multi-scale integration; transformative methods and resources (when driven by compelling biological questions); molecular and cellular evolution; the synthesis of life-like systems; and the quantitative prediction of the phenome from genomic information. Highest funding priority is given to applications that have outstanding intellectual merit and strong broader impacts, while proposals with weaknesses in either category (or those that are perceived as likely to have an incremental impact) will not be competitive. Proposals that are motivated by relevance to human health and disease treatment are not appropriate for the Division and will be returned without review.

## Questions people ask

### Is NSF 21-509 still open?

No. It is no longer open on Grants.gov. A newer notice is open: NSF 27-500, closes January 29, 2027 (83 days left).

### Who can apply for Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Core Programs?

U.S. National Science Foundation accepted applications from the applicants described in the notice. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Core Programs?

Closed. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

About $100 million in total.

### Who has won Biological Sciences grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were Battelle Memorial Institute, Arizona State University, Cornell University. The program made 6,885 awards worth $4.2 billion in that time.
