Molecular Biophysics

Molecular Biophysics is sponsored by NSF Directorate for Biological Sciences. Supports computational and experimental research on the structure, dynamics, and function of biomolecules and supramolecular assemblies.

Molecular Biophysics | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation Core Research in Biological Sciences (BIO Core) Important information for proposers and award recipients All proposals must be submitted in accordance with the requirements specified in the funding opportunity and in the Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) and its supplements .

All NSF grants and cooperative agreements are subject to the applicable set of NSF award terms and conditions . NSF has updated its research security policies for NSF funded projects. Supports computational and experimental research on the structure, dynamics and function of biomolecules, supermolecular assemblies and their interactions.

Supports computational and experimental research on the structure, dynamics and function of biomolecules, supermolecular assemblies and their interactions. NSF BIO supports fundamental research focused on elucidating the structure, dynamics, and function of biomolecules and supramolecular assemblies.

Proposals that define the underlying physical and chemical principles governing biomolecular interactions, the regulation of biological function across atomic and molecular scales, and the emergence of biological organization at the cellular level are encouraged.

Priority is given to studies that employ rigorous and complementary experimental and computational methodologies in a synergistic manner, as well as those that are conducted under physiological conditions or in environments that closely mimic native biological contexts.

Proposals that integrate innovative concepts, techniques, or theoretical frameworks from other scientific disciplines, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, to address complex biological questions are strongly encouraged. Investigations at the interface of biological sciences with chemical, computational, engineering, mathematical, and physical sciences are welcome.

In contrast, proposals centered primarily on mechanistic biochemistry or on narrowly defined systems from which broadly applicable biological principles cannot be derived will be given lower priority.

Broad areas of focus include, but are not limited to: Large scale computations that incorporate experimental constraints obtained using a variety of techniques ranging from NMR to high-resolution microscopies; Studies on multiple timescales with a goal of understanding molecular recognition, function, and allostery; Determination of structure, dynamics, assembly, and interactions of large functional macromolecular complexes in membrane-bound environments, membraneless cellular environments, or phase-separated condensates; Understanding biophysical principles that permit life at the extremes; Emerging areas such as quantum phenomena in biological systems or using quantum devices to investigate biological systems; and Development of new experimental tools or techniques for the interrogation of specific biological questions not accessible by current techniques.

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)