About Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB)

The Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB) supports fundamental research and related activities designed to promote understanding of dynamic underpinnings of complex living systems at the molecular, subcellular, and cellular levels.  Proposals addressing questions related to (i) the origin, organization, and properties of macromolecular structures, and/or subcellular and cellular components and (ii) the essential nature and dynamic operation 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 a broad spectrum of experimental systems, ranging from complex organisms to the use of in silico approaches, but gives highest priority to projects in which careful attention has been given to selecting the most appropriate system for answering a particular fundamental biological question.  As stated in the Grant Proposal Guide, research that is primarily motivated by medical relevance is not appropriate for the division.

The MCB portfolio of funded projects is diverse but generally focuses on 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) life's 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 for 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, as well as within and between cells.

Research in areas supported by the Division integrates theory and experimentation in an iterative way and increasingly utilizes tools and technologies derived from 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.  The earth is experiencing a rapidly changing environment that poses challenges to all lifeforms.  Therefore, the Division is also interested in projects aimed at understanding and predicting the contributions of organisms to environmental changes as well as the outcomes of their interactions with the environment at the molecular and cellular level. 

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 thematic 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 Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER), and the Research at Undergraduate Institutions program (RUI).  The Division also considers proposals for Grants for Rapid Response Research (RAPID), EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER), and for limited support of special meetings and workshops.  See Chapter II.D (Special Guidelines) of the Grant Proposal Guide for more complete information about these last three types of proposals.

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.