Ecological
Biology Cluster
The Ecological
Biology Cluster supports research on natural and managed ecological
systems, primarily in terrestrial, wetland, and freshwater habitats.
Research areas include experimental, observational, theoretical,
and modeling studies on the structure and function of complex associations
that focus on biotic components, and the coupling of small-scale
systems to each other and to large-scale systems. Projects are encouraged
that develop conceptual and synthetic linkages among theoretical,
modeling, and empirical approaches; that are conducted at one or
more scales of ecological or geographic organization; and that synthesize
empirical and theoretical findings into new paradigms. The Ecological
Biology Cluster funds research in the following areas.
Ecology:
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.
Long-Term
Research in Environmental Biology (LTREB): Focuses on evolutionary
or ecological phenomena that require long-term investigation. Awards
are designed to provide base funding to help maintain an on-going
long-term research project in any area supported by the Division
of Environmental Biology (DEB). These awards are not a source of
start-up funds to initiate long-term research, nor should they be
the main source of extramural support for investigators. LTREB proposals
are reviewed by disciplinary panels that have target dates on July
9 and January 9. Visit the LTREB program description page for additional
details [http://www.nsf.gov/bio/progdes/ltreb.htm].
National
Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) is an NSF-funded
research center located in downtown Santa Barbara, California. The
core activities of the center include the development and testing
of important ecological ideas and theories using existing data;
cutting-edge analysis of ecological information; research on data
access and use; promoting the use of sound science in policy and
management decisions; investigating sociological issues that pertain
to the science of ecology; projects involving the state of California;
and education and outreach. Several kinds of activity are supported
by the center including Working Groups that convene at NCEAS, Center
Fellows (sabbatical visitors), and Postdoctoral Associates. NCEAS
solicits proposals in January and August. Proposals may be submitted
between these dates under unusual circumstances, after consultation
with the Director. Proposals are reviewed by the NCEAS Science Advisory
Board, which makes recommendations for support. Visit the NCEAS
home page for additional details [http://www.nceas.ucsb.edu].
Inter- and
multi-disciplinary proposals that fall across traditional programmatic
boundaries are welcomed and encouraged. Studies focusing on the
ecology of marine organisms should be directed to the Biological
Oceanography Program in the Division of Ocean Sciences. Studies
focusing on human disease or health are not supported.
Cluster
Contact Information
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