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Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB) Core Programs is an NSF Division initiative supporting fundamental research on living systems at the molecular, subcellular, and cellular levels.
Four core clusters are funded: Molecular Biophysics (biomolecule structure, dynamics, and function), Genetic Mechanisms (gene expression, regulation, and evolution), Cellular Dynamics and Function (cellular structure across spatiotemporal scales), and Systems and Synthetic Biology (modeling and design of complex living systems).
The program prioritizes research integrating across scales, computational or mathematical modeling combined with experimental work, and development of broadly applicable methods. Eligible applicants are U.S. institutions of higher education and non-profit, non-academic organizations. Award amounts vary.
Proposals submitted through NSF standard channels.
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Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Core Programs (MCB) | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Core Programs (MCB) NSF's implementation of the revised 2 CFR NSF Financial Assistance awards (grants and cooperative agreements) made on or after October 1, 2024, will be subject to the applicable set of award conditions, dated October 1, 2024, available on the NSF website .
These terms and conditions are consistent with the revised guidance specified in the OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2024.
Important information for proposers All proposals must be submitted in accordance with the requirements specified in this funding opportunity and in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) that is in effect for the relevant due date to which the proposal is being submitted. It is the responsibility of the proposer to ensure that the proposal meets these requirements.
Submitting a proposal prior to a specified deadline does not negate this requirement.
Updates to NSF Research Security Policies On July 10, 2025, NSF issued an Important Notice providing updates to the agency's research security policies, including a research security training requirement, Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program annual certification requirement, prohibition on Confucius institutes and an updated FFDR reporting and submission timeline.
Supports research on living systems at the molecular, subcellular and cellular levels. Core areas supported include cellular dynamics and function; genetic mechanisms; molecular biophysics; and systems and synthetic biology. Supports research on living systems at the molecular, subcellular and cellular levels.
Core areas supported include cellular dynamics and function; genetic mechanisms; molecular biophysics; and systems and synthetic biology. MCB supports research that promises to uncover the fundamental properties of living systems across atomic, molecular, subcellular, and cellular scales.
The program gives high priority to projects that advance mechanistic understanding of the structure, function, and evolution of molecular, subcellular, and cellular systems, especially research that aims at quantitative and predictive knowledge of complex behavior and emergent properties.
MCB encourages research exploring new concepts in molecular and cellular biology, while incorporating insights and approaches from other scientific disciplines, such as chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physics, to illuminate principles that govern life at the molecular and cellular level.
MCB also encourages research that exploits experimental and theoretical approaches and utilizes a diverse spectrum of model and non-model animals, plants, and microbes across the tree of life. Proposals that pursue potentially transformative ideas are welcome, even if these entail higher risk.
This solicitation calls for proposals in research areas supported by the four MCB core clusters, including: (i) structure, dynamics, and function of biomolecules and supramolecular assemblies, especially under physiological conditions ( Molecular Biophysics ); (ii) organization, processing, expression, regulation, and evolution of genetic and epigenetic information ( Genetic Mechanisms ); (iii) cellular structure, properties, and function across broad spatiotemporal scales ( Cellular Dynamics and Function ); and (iv) systems and/or synthetic biology to study complex interactions through modeling or manipulation or design of living systems at the molecular-to-cellular scale ( Systems and Synthetic Biology ).
All MCB clusters prioritize projects that integrate across scales, investigate molecular and cellular evolution, synergize experimental research with computational or mathematical modeling, and/or develop innovative, broadly applicable methods and technologies. Projects that bridge the intellectual edges between MCB clusters are welcome.
Projects that integrate molecular and cellular biosciences with other subdisciplines of biology are also welcome through the new Integrative Research in Biology (IntBIO) track. Regarding health-related challenges, NSF supports basic research in all areas of the biological sciences and recognizes that this foundational research is likely to impact many different areas, including human health.
MCB celebrates all the biological science discoveries funded through MCB awards that have had major impacts on health, environment, energy, food production, and other applications.
Nevertheless, research focused exclusively on understanding human diseases and their treatment is normally outside of the scope of funding and will be returned without review unless that research significantly advances other fields such as engineering, computer science, or the mathematical and physical sciences.
December 18, 2025 - NSF BIO Virtual Office Hour: Updates from the NSF… March 8, 2023 - New MCB Solicitation for Core Programs Funded as part of this Program Cellular Dynamics and Function Designing Synthetic Cells and Cellular Components (Designer Cells) Leveraging Innovations From Evolution (LIFE) Systems and Synthetic Biology Tool Development for Molecular and Cell Biology (Tools4Cells) Additional program resources Awards made through this program Browse projects funded by this program Map of recent awards made through this program Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (BIO/MCB)
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) and non-profit, non-academic organizations located in the U. S. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB) Core Programs is funded by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) - Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Yes — this listing is flagged as national in scope, so applicants across the U.S. may apply, subject to the sponsor's other eligibility criteria.
Applications go through the funder's official portal — the Apply Now link on this page goes there directly.
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