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National Science Foundation

Core Research in Biological Sciences (BIO Core)

Funds biology at any scale, from molecules to biomes β€” $280 million across roughly 300 awards, with no deadline.

OpenNational Science FoundationUnited States

NSF's biology directorate collapsed its separate programmes into one door with this notice. It funds foundational and interdisciplinary research expanding knowledge of biology at any level of organisation, from the molecular up to the biome.

Two kinds of proposal are welcome and the distinction matters. Topics associated with the legacy programmes NSF BIO has historically supported, and proposals…

Foundational and interdisciplinary biological research at any level of organisation from molecular to biome scale, covering both the topics of NSF BIO's historic programmes and new areas of biology outside them.

CycleiHow often this grant runs β€” e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Rolling
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.Rolling
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.β€”
Award typeiThe form of funding β€” grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.β€”
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.$280M

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: 26-517Source: www.grants.gov