Office of Sponsored Programs

Biology Funding Opportunities

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Undergraduate Research and Mentoring in the Biological Sciences
(URM) NSF 06-591

Website: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf06591
PRELIMINARY PROPOSAL DEADLINE: September 18, 2007
FULL PROPOSAL DEADLINE: March 4, 2008
Abstract: The goal of the Undergraduate Research and Mentoring in
the Biological Sciences (URM) program is to increase the number and
diversity of individuals pursuing graduate studies in all areas of biological
research supported by the NSF Directorate for Biological Sciences. Support
will be provided to academic institutions to establish innovative programs to
engage undergraduates in a year-round research and mentoring activity.
Particular emphasis will be placed on broadening participation of members
of groups historically underrepresented in science and engineering: African
Americans, Alaska Natives, American Indians, Hispanic Americans, Native
Pacific Islanders, and persons with disabilities. The URM Program expects
to make at least 8 awards.

AUSTRALIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE, LEMBERG
TRAVELING FELLOWSHIP
Deadline: Late September annually.
Website: http://www.science.org.au/awards/lemberg.htm
Abstract: This fellowship is to enable scientists of standing to visit Australian
scientific centres to deliver lectures. The Lemberg Fellow may be drawn from
any field of biology but special consideration will be given to those areas in
which Professor Lemberg had a special interest: biochemistry, conservation
and Australian flora. Overseas and domestic air fares are provided.

AUSTRALIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE, SELBY FELLOWSHIP
Deadline: Late September annually.
Website: http://www.science.org.au/awards/selby.htm
Abstract: Fellowships are awarded to distinguished overseas scientists to visit
Australia for public lecture/seminar tours and to visit scientific centers in
Australia. Overseas and local air fares and a daily allowance are provided,
up to $10,000.

SIGMA XI GRANTS-IN-AID OF RESEARCH PROGRAM (GIAR)
Deadline: October 15 and March 15 annually.
Website: http://www.sigmaxi.org/programs/giar/index.shtml
Abstract: This program awards grants of up to $1,000 to undergraduate
and graduate students from all areas of the sciences and engineering.
Designated funds from the National Academy of Sciences allow for grants
of up to $5,000 for astronomy research and $2,500 for vision related
research. Students use the funding to pay for travel expenses to and from a
research site, or for purchase of non-standard laboratory equipment necessary
to complete a specific research project. While membership in Sigma Xi is not
a requirement for applying for funding, approximately 75% of the funds are
restricted for use by dues paying student members.

MICROBIAL OBSERVATORIES (MO) AND MICROBIAL
INTERACTIONS AND PROCESSES (MIP)
NOTE: SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO THIS PROGRAM– SEE
WEBSITE.
Website: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2005/nsf05600/nsf05600.htm
Abstract: The long-term goal of this activity is to develop a network of sites
or "microbial observatories" in different habitats to study and understand
microbial diversity over time and across environmental gradients. Projects
supported are expected to establish or participate in an established, Internet-
accessible knowledge network to disseminate information resulting from these
activities. In addition, educational and outreach activities such as formal or
informal training in microbial biology, and activities that will broaden the
participation of underrepresented groups in microbial research and education
are expected.

NSF – S-STEM SCHOLARSHIPS IN SCIENCE, Engineering, Math
Due Date: Letter of Intent, July 10, 2008 (for the August 12, 2008 competition)
Website: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2007/nsf07524/nsf07524.pdf

Abstract: This program makes grants to institutions of higher education to
support scholarships for academically talented, financially needy students,
enabling them to enter the workforce following

completion of an associate, baccalaureate, or graduate level degree in
science and engineering disciplines. Grantee institutions are responsible
for selecting scholarship recipients, reporting demographic information
about student scholars, and managing the S-STEM project at the institution.

Students to be awarded scholarships must demonstrate academic talent and
financial need. In addition, they must be US citizens, permanent residents,
nationals, or refugees.

The S-STEM program emphasizes the importance of recruiting students to

science and engineering disciplines, mentoring and supporting students

through degree completion, and partnering with employers to facilitate

student career placement in the STEM workforce. Participating institutions
are expected to support the goals of the S-STEM program including:

* Improved educational opportunities for students;

* Increased retention of students to degree achievement;

* Improved student support programs at institutions of higher education;

* Increased numbers of well educated and skilled employees in technical
areas of national need.

Estimated Number of Awards: 90 to 130

Anticipated Funding Amount: $50,000,000 to $70,000,000

Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization:

An Institution may submit one proposal from each constituent

school or college that awards degrees in an eligible field.

RESEARCH ON GENDER IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(GSE)
NSF 07-578
Website: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf07578
Abstract: The program seeks to broaden the participation of girls and women
in all fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
education by supporting research, the diffusion of research-based innovations,
and extension services in education that will lead to a larger and more diverse
domestic science andengineering workforce. Typical projects will contribute
to the knowledge base addressing gender-related differences in learning and in
the educational experiences that affect student interest, performance, and
choice of careers; how pedagogical approaches and teaching styles, curriculum,
student services, and institutional culture contribute to causing or closing gender
gaps that persist in certain fields. Projects will communicate and apply findings,
evaluation results, and proven good practices and products to a wider community.

MERCK/AAAS UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Website: http://php.aaas.org/programs/education/merck/
Abstract: Each award provides up to $60,000 paid over three years at
$20,000 per year for joint use by the biology and chemistry departments
at each recipient institution. The funding supports research stipends for
undergraduate students and ancillary programs that foster interactions
between these departments.

ADVANCE: Increasing the Participation and Advancement of
Women in Academic Science and Engineering Careers
NSF 07-582
Website: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf07582
Abstract: The goal of the ADVANCE program is to develop systemic
approaches to increase the representation and advancement of women in
academic science and engineering careers, thereby contributing to the
development of a more diverse science and engineering workforce.
Creative strategies to realize this goal are sought from women and men.
Members of underrepresented minority groups and individuals with
disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. Proposals that address
the participation and advancement of women with disabilities and of women
from underrepresented minority groups are encouraged.

Types of Projects:

Partnerships for Adaptation, Implementation, and
Dissemination (PAID) Awards Partnerships for Adaptation,
Implementation, and Dissemination awards support analysis,
adaptation, dissemination and use of existing innovative materials
and practices that have been demonstrated to be effective in
increasing representation and participation of women in academic
science and engineering careers.
Institutional Transformation (IT) Awards

Institutional Transformation Awards support academic institutional
transformation to promote the increased participation and advancement
of women scientists and engineers in academe. These awards support
innovative and comprehensive programs for institution-wide change.

Institutional Transformation Planning Grants (IT-Start)

IT-Start awards support basic data collection and analysis functions
necessary to understand the status of women faculty in academic science
and engineering at institutions seeking institutional transformation. This
category of award is intended to broaden the spectrum of institutions
participating in ADVANCE activities. IT-Start awards seek to include
institutions with varying institutional scope, sizes, experiences, and perspectives,
for example (but not limited to): primarily undergraduate institutions, teaching
intensive colleges, community colleges, minority-serving institutions (e.g. tribal
colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic serving
institutions) as well as women's colleges.

NSF-Ecological Biology
NSF PD 04-1128 in FastLane
Website: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id
=12823&org=NSF&from=fund
Abstract: Supports studies of community ecology and population
interactions at diverse spatial and temporal scales. These include (1)
dynamics and processes within particular habitats; (2) food-web structure;
(3) landscape patterns and processes; (4) paleoecology; (5) biotic
interactions, including mutualism, competition, predation and parasitism;
(6) mechanisms of coexistence and community assembly; (7) co-evolution,
and (8) chemical ecology. Ecology particularly encourages studies that
reveal causal mechanisms, patterns, and ecological processes or that
apply to a wide range of habitats and taxa. Studies focusing on population
dynamics of single species should be directed to the Population and
Evolutionary Processes cluster.

NSF-Population and Evolutionary Processes
NSF PD 04-1127 in FastLane
Website: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id
=12824&org=NSF&from=fund
Abstract: Focuses on population properties that lead to variation
within and among populations. Approaches include empirical and theoretical
studies of microevolution, organismal adaptation, geographical differentiation,
natural hybridization and speciation, as well as processes that lead to
macroevolutionary patterns of trait evolution. Research is funded in these areas:
population dynamics, evolutionary ecology, evolutionary genetics, and molecular
population biology. Inter- and multi-disciplinary proposals that fall across traditional
programmatic boundaries are welcomed and encouraged.
Application Due: January 9, 2008

NSF - Long Term Research in Environmental Biology (LTREB)
05-583
Website: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13544&
org=NSF&from=fund
Abstract: Proposals aimed at generating long time series of biological and
environmental data that address particular ecological and evolutionary
processes. NSF will support competitively reviewed projects that continue
critical and novel long-term data collection aimed at resolving important issues
in environmental biology. Researchers must demonstrate at least six years of data
collection to qualify for funding, and the proposal must convey a rationale for at
least ten additional years of data collection. As part of the requirements for
funding, projects must show how collected data will be shared broadly with the
scientific community and the interested public.
Application Due: January 9, 2008

NSF - Mathematical Biology
PD-04-7334 CFDA Number: 47.049
Website: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5690
Abstract: Supports research in areas of mathematics with relevance to the
biological sciences, except statistics and probability.
Application Window: December 18, 2007 - January 13, 2008

NSF - Plant Genome Research Program (PGRP)
06-581
Deadline: January 21, 2008
Website: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5338
&org=NSF&sel_org=NSF&from=fund
Abstract: The overall goals of this program are to support basic research in
plant genomics and to accelerate the acquisition and utilization of new
knowledge and innovative approaches to elucidating fundamental biological
processes in plants. The focus is on plants of economic importance and plant
processes of economic value. Proposals that present conceptually new and
different ideas are encouraged, especially from investigators and institutions
that have not participated in PGRP before. In addition, proposals that provide
strong and novel training opportunities integral to the research plan, and
particularly across disciplines, are especially encouraged.

NSF - Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI)
07-543 CFDA Number: 47.076
Website: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5741&org
=NSF&sel_org=NSF&from=fund
Abstract: CCLI seeks to improve the quality of science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for all undergraduate
students. The program supports efforts to create new learning materials
and teaching strategies, develop faculty expertise, implement educational
innovations, assess learning and evaluate innovations, and conduct
research on STEM learning and teaching. The program supports three types
of projects representing three different phases of development: Phase 1
projects address one program component and involve a limited number of
students and faculty (maximum award $150,000 for up to 3 years; Phase 2
projects refine and test Phase 1 type outcomes on diverse users in several
settings (maximum award $5000,000 for 2 to 4 years); Phase 3 projects
combine established results and mature products from Phase 1 and 2-type
projects in an effort that has national impact (maximum award up to $2M
for 3 to 5 years).
Application Deadlines: Phase 2 and 3 proposals January 10, 2008

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION MAJOR RESEARCH
INSTRUMENTATION (MRI)
Due: 4th Thursday in January
Website:http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2007/nsf07510/nsf07510.htm
Abstract: The MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION (MRI)
Program seeks to improve the quality and expand the scope of research
and research training in science and engineering, and to foster the
integration of research and education by providing instrumentation for
research-intensive learning environments.

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, In-Residence Fellowships
Website: http://www.si.edu/ofg/start.htm
Abstract: The SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION IN-RESIDENCE
FELLOWSHIP provide opportunities for postdoctoral and senior
investigators to conduct research in the following fields: animal behavior,
ecology, environmental science (including an emphasis on the tropics),
astrophysics, astronomy, earth sciences, paleobiology, evolutionary and
systematic biology, history of science and technology, materials research
and molecular biology.

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), Three-year
Postdoctoral Fellowships in Tropical Biology

To support research in ecology, anthropology, paleontology, evolutionary
biology, molecular phylogenetics, biogeography, animal behavior, soil
sciences and physiology of tropical plants and animals. Research should be
based at one of STRI facilities, but proposals that include comparative
research on other tropical countries will be considered.
Deadline - January 15, 2007.

Short-term Fellowships

Primarily for graduate students but awards are made occasionally to
undergraduate and postdoctoral candidates. These fellowships enable
selected candidates to work in the tropics and explore research possibilities
at STRI. The Ernst Mayr Fellowship is awarded to an outstanding short
term fellowship candidate on an annual basis. Deadlines: 15 February, May,
August, November.

NSF Science and Society Doctoral Dissertation Research
Improvement Grants
Deadline: Feb. 1 and Aug. 1 (annual).
Abstract: The National Science Foundation invites applications for the
| Science and Society program's Doctoral Dissertation Research
Improvement Grants. S&S considers proposals that examine questions
that arise in the interactions of engineering, science, technology, and society.
There are four components: Ethics and Values in Science, Engineering and
Technology; History and Philosophy of Science, Engineering and Technology;
Social Studies of Science, Engineering and Technology; and Studies of Policy,
Science, Engineering and Technology. Proposals are welcome from varied
disciplinary perspectives, including history, philosophy, and the social sciences.
S&S provides funds for dissertation research expenses not normally available
through the student's university. The usual limits on a dissertation award are
$8,000 for research in North America and $12,000 for international research.
Electronic submission is required via FastLane, so please consult with your ORS
contact to determine FastLane procedure. Citizenship: US.

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MICROBIOLOGY, TRAVEL AWARD
Deadline: March 1 annually.
Website: http://www.asm.org/Awards/index.asp?bid=14933
Abstract: ASM provides funds to individuals to travel to and participate in
meetings, conferences, and other professional development activities. Grants
are available to students/postdocs as well as faculty.
http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5324&org=SBE&from=fund

INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION: Planning Visits and
Workshops
NSF Wide Flag NSF 04-035
FULL PROPOSAL TARGET DATES: September 20, 2007; February 20, 2008;
May 20, 2008
Website: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf04035
Abstract: International Planning Visit/Workshop Awards can support the initial
phases of developing and coordinating integrated research and education activities
with foreign partners. Support is primarily for travel and subsistence expenses;
salaries and stipends are not typically supported.

HUMAN FRONTIER SCIENCE PROGRAM (HFSP),
Short-Term Fellowships
Deadline: No deadline.
Website: http://www.hfsp.org/about/AboutProg.php
Abstract: Short-term Fellowships enable basic researchers focusing on
complex mechanisms of living organisms to move into new areas by
learning state-of-the-art techniques in use abroad or by establishing new
research collaborations. These fellowships can last from two weeks to
three months in a foreign country.

NSF - Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI)
NSF 00-144 CFDA Number: 47.041
Application Deadline: this program accepts proposals at any time
during the year and has no fixed due dates.
The RUI program supports research by faculty members of predominately
undergraduate institutions through the funding of 1) individual and collaborative
research projects, 2) the purchase of shared-used research instrumentation,
and 3) Research Opportunity Awards for work with NSF-supported
investigators at other institutions. All NSF directorates participate in the
RUI activity; proposals are evaluated and funded by the NSF programs
in the disciplinary areas of the proposed research.

NSF - Small Grants for Exploratory Research (SGER)
Website: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/papp/gpg_2.jsp#IID1
Abstract: The SGER program funds small-scale, exploratory, high-risk
research in the fields of science, engineering and education normally
supported by NSF. Investigators are strongly encouraged to contact the
program officer prior to submission to ensure that their project meets the
guidelines.

EARTHWATCH INSTITUTE- RESEARCH PROGRAM
DEADLINE: anytime, preliminary proposals
Website: http://www.earthwatch.org/research/proposals.html
E-MAIL: research@earthwatch.org
ELIGIBILITY: Earthwatch supports doctoral and post-doctoral researchers,
or researchers with equivalent scholarship or commensurate life experience.
Abstract: Earthwatch awards research grants on a per capita basis; the total
grant amount is determined by multiplying the per capita grant by the number
of Earthwatch volunteers participating on a project. Per capita grants average
$850, and the average project grant range is between $17,000 and $51,000
for one full season. A project usually involves 30 to 60 total volunteers per
field season, with 5 to 12 volunteers each on 4 to 5 teams. Each team typically
spends 8 to 15 days in the field. Earthwatch grants cover the cost of maintaining
volunteers andprincipal research staff in the field. The grants may also assist with
other project expenses, but cannot be used for PI salaries, capital equipment,
or overhead costs.

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, PLANNING
VISIT/WORKSHOP AWARDS
No Deadline.
Website: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf04035
Abstract: International Planning Visit/Workshop Awards support the early phases
of planning, developing, and coordinating a research and education activity in science
or engineering with foreign partners. Support is primarily for travel and subsistence
expenses. Funds can also be used for joint workshops to identify common research
priorities, focused on a specific area of research collaboration. Visits typically last
7-14 days.

EQUIPMENT GRANTS

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, Defense University Research
Instrumentation Program (DURIP):

Office of Naval Research
website: http://www.onr.navy.mil/sci_tech/3t/corporate/durip.asp

Air Force Office of Scientific Research
website: http://www.afosr.af.mil/ResearchAreas/special_durip.htm

Army Research Office:
website: http://www.arl.army.mil/www/default.cfm?Action=6&Page=8

Deadline: August or September annually.
Abstract: DURIP is a multi-agency DoD program designed to improve the
capabilities of U.S. institutions of higher education to conduct research and
to educate scientists and engineers in areas important to national defense by
providing funds for the acquisition of research equipment. Proposals may
request $50,000 to $1,000,000. Proposals for purely instructional equipment
are not eligible. General-purpose computing facilities are not appropriate for
DURIP funding, but requests for computers for DoD-relevant research
programs are appropriate.

BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH COLLECTIONS (BRC) PROGRAM
Deadline: Fourth Friday in July annually.
Website: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf05575
Abstract: The Biological Research Collections Program provides support for
biological collection enhancement, computerization of specimen-related data,
research to develop better methods for specimen curation and collection
management, and activities such as symposia and workshops to investigate
support and management of biological collections.

NIH

SHARED INSTRUMENTATION GRANT PROGRAM
deadline: February annually.
Website: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-07-105.html
Abstract: Synopsis: This program funds groups of NIH-supported
investigators to purchase or upgrade commercially available instruments
that cost at least $100,000. The maximum award is $500,000. Types of
instruments supported include confocal and electron microscopes, biomedical
imagers, mass spectrometers, DNA sequencers, biosensors, cell sorters, X-ray
diffraction systems, and NMR spectrometers among others.CAMPUS
LIMITED SUBMISSION: There is no restriction on the number of applications
an institution can submit to the SIG program each year provided the applications
request different types of equipment. However, if two or more applications are
submitted for similar equipment from the same institution, documentation from
a high level institutional official must be provided stating that this is not an
unintended duplication, but part of a campus-wide institutional plan.

ADVANCED INSTRUMENTATION FOR HIGH RESOLUTION
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
Deadlines: Standard application deadlines.
Website: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-083.html
Abstract: This program is intended to ensure that ongoing and new
research projects that develop and/or apply advanced (3-D and high-
resolution) EM methods are equipped with the instruments that are
needed to achieve the required data throughput and image resolution.
This applies to basic research in molecular cell biology using EM for the
structural analysis of large macromolecular assemblies and for the imaging
of macromolecules in cells.

MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION (MRI) PROGRAM
Campus limited submission deadline: November annually.
Website: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5260
Abstract: This program assists in the acquisition, development, maintenance,
and/or technical support of major research instrumentation by U.S. institutions
that is, in general, too costly for support through other NSF programs. Proposals
may be for a single instrument, a large system of instruments, or multiple instruments
that share a common research focus. Computer systems, clusters of advanced
workstations, networks, and other information infrastructure components specifically
necessary for research are encouraged. Awards for instrumentation range
from $100,000 to $2 million. An organization may submit or be included as a
partner or subawardee in no more than three proposals. If an organization
submits or is included as a partner or subawardee in three proposals, at least
one of the three proposals must be for instrument development.

Other:

CUR BIOLOGY DIVISION TRAVEL AWARDS

Website: http://www.cur.org/biostudenttravel.html
Direct inquiries via email to Larry Wimmers, CUR Councilor:
lwimmers@towson.edu
Abstract: The Biology Division of the Council on Undergraduate Research
(CUR) is offering a limited number of travel grants, up to $250 each, for
undergraduate students presenting original research results at a regional or
national, discipline-specific meeting during the fiscal year 2007 - 2008. Award
recipients are required to acknowledge CUR for support of their travel in their
talk or poster. Minority students are encouraged to apply.

EMAIL GRANT ALERT SYSTEMS
Many of the funding organization and database e-mail services send out
announcements to registered individuals. Such providers include:

Grants.gov

http://www.grants.gov/search/email.do provides an email alert system
for opportunities offered by federal agencies.

MyNSF

Formerly the Custom News Service of the National Science Foundation,
allows you to receive notifications about new content posted on the NSF
website. Notification can be received via email http://www.nsf.gov/mynsf/.

NASA

http://spacescience.nasa.gov/announce/listserv.htm.

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/listserv.htm includes the full text of all
Requests for Applications

National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST)

Bimonthly Reports http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/subscr.htm

ScienceWise Alert

http://content.sciencewise.com/informationagent/basicalert.htm, is an e-mail
service that delivers federal research opportunities within your areas of interest.
Participating agencies include: DOD, NASA, EPA, ONR, AFOSR, NIH, and USDA.