Molecular Foundations for Biotechnology | 24 607

Opportunity Information: Apply for 24 607

The Molecular Foundations for Biotechnology (MFB) grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number 24-607) is a discretionary NSF-led program that funds high risk, high reward research aimed at unlocking fundamentally new molecular-science approaches that can steer biotechnology in new directions. Now in the fourth year of a broader campaign organized around rotating themes, this particular solicitation centers on RNA: it seeks cross-disciplinary, collaborative proposals that both deepen basic understanding of how RNA functions in complex biological systems and translate that understanding into new biotechnologies. In practice, the call is looking for projects that blend disciplines (for example, chemistry, molecular biology, engineering, computation, genomics, and technology development) to move beyond incremental progress and instead create enabling concepts, tools, or platforms that change what is possible in biotechnology.

The opportunity is coordinated by the National Science Foundation in partnership with the National Institutes of Health, specifically the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). The RNA emphasis is framed as strategically important for multiple national science and innovation priorities: advancing biotechnology innovation that supports a sustainable, safe, and secure American bioeconomy; supporting the NSF 2022-2026 Strategic Plan goal of generating new knowledge and translating it into societal solutions; aligning with NHGRI's 2020 Strategic Vision focused on improving human health at the forefront of genomics; and responding to recommendations from the National Academies (NASEM) calling for deeper understanding of RNA modifications and the roles those modifications play in biological processes. Taken together, the solicitation is positioned to support foundational RNA science (including, but not limited to, RNA regulation and modification) while encouraging applicants to connect that science to practical biotechnology outcomes.

Awards are capped at a total of $1,500,000 (including both direct and indirect costs) for the entire project, with a maximum project duration of up to three years. Applicants are expected to propose a budget and timeline that fit the scale and ambition of the work, meaning the project plan should clearly justify why the requested resources and period of performance are appropriate for the proposed milestones, collaborations, and development goals.

Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based organizations that are directly tied to education or research. Eligible applicants include U.S. non-profit, non-academic organizations such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar entities, as well as accredited U.S. institutions of higher education (including two-year and four-year colleges and universities, community colleges, and comparable IHEs) applying on behalf of their faculty. There is also a specific instruction for U.S. universities with international branch campuses: if any project funds would flow to an international branch campus (including through subawards or consultant arrangements), the proposal must explain why work at that location benefits the project and why the same activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus.

Administratively, the funding instrument is a grant and the activity category is science and technology research and development. The associated CFDA numbers are 47.049, 47.070, 47.074, and 93.172. The opportunity was created on 2024-09-14 and lists an original closing date of 2024-12-16.

• The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Molecular Foundations for Biotechnology" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.049, 47.070, 47.074, 93.172.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-09-14.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-12-16. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,500,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for 24 607

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