|
The Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) promotes and advances
scientific progress in biology largely through grants to colleges,
universities and other institutions, especially in those areas
where NSF has major responsibility. The Foundation is the nation's
principal supporter of fundamental academic research on plant
biology, environmental biology and biodiversity. |
The BIO budget
for FY 2004 is $586.89 million, from which approximately 2,700
awards will be made. Total award size ranges from $5,000 to
$4,945,000 over the period of the grant. The median annual research
grant size, excluding symposia, conferences and some special
competitions, is expected to be about $138,000. The average
award duration for research grants is 3.2 years.
Areas of Support
The
Directorate for Biological Sciences provides support for research
to advance understanding of the underlying principles and mechanisms
governing life. Research ranges from the study of the structure
and dynamics of biological molecules, such as proteins and nucleic
acids, through cells, organs and organisms, to studies of populations
and ecosystems. It encompasses processes that are internal to the
organism as well as those that are external, and includes temporal
frameworks ranging from measurements in real time through individual
life spans, to the full scope of evolutionary time.
- Division
of Biological Infrastructure (DBI)
Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI) supports varied activities
that provide the infrastructure for contemporary research in biology.
These broadly include instrumentation-related activities, research
resources, and training opportunities.
- Division
of Environmental Biology (DEB)
The Division of Environmental Biology (DEB) supports fundamental
research on the origins, functions, relationships, interactions,
and evolutionary history of populations, species, communities,
and ecosystems.
- Division
of Integrative Organismal Biology (IOB)
The
Division of Integrative Organismal Biology (IOB) supports
research aimed at integrative understanding of organisms
as units of biological organization, with particular emphasis
on their development, function, behavior, and evolution.
- Division
of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB)
The Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB) supports
research and related activities that contribute to a fundamental
understanding of life processes at the molecular, subcellular,
and cellular levels.
- Emerging
Frontiers (EF) Division
Emerging Frontiers
(EF) supports multidisciplinary research and networking activities
that arise from advances in disciplinary research.
In addition,
BIO oversees the Plant Genome Research
Program (PGR). It is part of a national plant genome research
initiative established by the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
The long-term goal of this program is to understand the structure,
organization and function of plant genomes important to agriculture,
the environment, energy and health.
Support for research
and education in the biological sciences is also provided through:
early development of academic faculty as both educators and researchers
through programs such as Faculty
Early Career Development; research workshops, symposia, and
conferences; the purchase of scientific research collections; active
research participation grants for undergraduates, integrative graduate
education and research training, and postdoctoral research fellowships;
and, in selected areas, doctoral dissertation improvement grants.
|