About Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB)

The Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB) supports fundamental research and related activities that address the dynamic underpinnings of complex living systems at the molecular, subcellular and cellular levels. Questions relating to (i) the origin, organization and properties of macromolecular structures, and/or subcellular and cellular components and (ii) the nature of basic life processes are a priority for the Division. It is expected that these questions will be framed such that they contribute to the advancement of a conceptual framework for biology as a whole. The Division supports research across all experimental systems, but gives highest priority to projects that use the most appropriate system for answering a particular fundamental biological question.  As stated in the Grant Proposal Guide, research that is motivated by medical relevance is not appropriate for the division.

The spectrum of topics covered within the MCB portfolio of funded projects generally focus on the determination of the structure, function and dynamic properties of the complex molecular machinery involved in information transfer, regulation, signaling, and cellular architecture and organization. Awards include integrative projects that address (i) molecular structure, function and organization (ii) genetic, metabolic, and signaling pathways or networks and the regulatory mechanisms that control them, (iii) the significance of spatial and temporal organization on protein or RNA folding, genome structure and genetic processes, and other cellular mechanisms, (iv) communication and interaction between molecules, macromolecules, and subcellular components and pathways, and (v) the flow of energy and information within and between molecules or macromolecular complexes, or within and between cells.

Research in the areas supported by the Division integrate theory and experimentation in an iterative way and increasingly utilize tools and technologies derived from the biological, physical, mathematical, computational and engineering sciences. Genome-wide or metagenomics approaches are appropriate when applied to specific questions of interest to the Division. Projects that address the emerging areas of theoretical and computational modeling, single molecule or single cell manipulations, molecular dynamics, small RNA biology, and synthetic biology are particularly welcome. 

MCB continues to forge partnerships to support research at the interfaces of biology and other sciences or engineering, to introduce new analytical and conceptual tools for biological research, and to provide unique education and training opportunities for the next generation of researchers, scientific educators, and scientifically literate citizens. Leading edge cyberinfrastructure is indispensable in MCB-supported research for capturing, storing, manipulating, and analyzing the amounts and diversity of data.

Investigator-initiated research proposals are considered in the following clusters: Biomolecular Systems, Cellular Systems, and Genes and Genome Systems. The target dates for submission of these proposals to the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences are January 12 and July 12. Proposals received by the January target date will be reviewed during the Spring review cycle, and those received by the July target date will be reviewed in the Fall review cycle. In addition, the Division supports a variety of Foundation-wide activities designed to promote integration of research and education, such as the CAREER and Research in Undergraduate Institutions programs. The Division also considers proposals for Small Grants for Exploratory Research (SGER) and for limited support of special meetings and workshops.

More information about the current and future goals and priorities of the BIO Directorate and the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences can be found in the annual BIO Budget excerpts from the NSF Budget Requests to Congress.