Biophotonics
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
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This grant is for academic and research institutions seeking to advance photonics engineering with applications in medicine, biology, and biotechnology. Eligible applicants typically include universities, research centers, and other institutions capable of conducting fundamental engineering research. Projects must address novel or potentially transformative photonics research in areas like imaging, sensing, neurophotonics, or optogenetics.
Research proposals should demonstrate clear engineering innovation and potential societal or industrial impact. Single-investigator projects typically receive smaller budgets, while multi-investigator projects may receive larger awards.
Applicants working outside the specified research areas should contact the program director before submitting to ensure their work fits program scope.
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Program description
TheBiophotonicsprogram is part of the Engineering Biology and Health cluster, which also includes: 1) theBiosensingprogram; 2) theCellular and Biochemical Engineeringprogram; 3) theDisability and Rehabilitation Engineeringprogram; and 4) theEngineering of Biomedical Systemsprogram.
The goal of theBiophotonicsprogram is to explore the research frontiers in photonics principles, engineering and technology that are relevant for critical problems in fields of medicine, biology and biotechnology. Fundamental engineering research and innovation in photonics is required to lay the foundations for new technologies beyond those that are mature and ready for application in medical diagnostics and therapies. Advances are needed in nanophotonics, optogenetics, contrast and targeting agents, ultra-thin probes, wide field imaging, and rapid biomarker screening. Low cost and minimally invasive medical diagnostics and therapies are key motivating application goals.
Research topics in this program include:
- Imaging in the second near infrared window:Research that advances medical applications of biophotonics in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II: 1,000-1,700 nm) in which biological tissues are transparent up to several centimeters in depth, making this spectral window ideal for deep tissue imaging.
- Macromolecule markers: Innovative methods for labeling of macromolecules. Novel compositions of matter. Methods of fabrication of multicolor probes that could be used for marking and detection of specific pathological cells.Pushing the envelope of optical sensing to the limits of detection, resolution, and identification.
- Low coherence sensing at the nanoscale: Low coherence enhanced backscattering (LEBS). N-dimensional elastic light scattering.Angle-resolved low coherence interferometry for early cancer detection (dysplasia).
- Neurophotonics:Studies of photon activation of neurons at the interface of nanomaterials attached to cells. Development and application of biocompatible photonic tools such as parallel interfaces and interconnects for communicating and control of neural networks.
- Microphotonics and nanophotonics:Development and application of novel nanoparticle fluorescent quantum-dots. Sensitive, multiplexed, high-throughput characterization of macromolecular properties of cells.Nanomaterials and nanodevices for biomedicine.
- Optogenetics: Novel research in employing light-activated channels and enzymes for manipulation of neural activity with temporal precision. Utilizing nanophotonics, nanofibers, and genetic techniques for mapping and studying in real-time physiological processes in organs such as the brain and heart.
Innovative proposals outside of these specific interest areas may be considered. However, prior to submission, it is recommended that the Principal Investigator contact the program director to avoid the possibility of the proposal being returned without review.
INFORMATION COMMON TO MOST CBET PROGRAMS
Proposals should address the novelty and/orpotentially transformative natureof the proposed work compared to previous work in the field. Also, it is important to address why the proposed work is important in terms of engineering science, as well as to also project the potential impact on society and/or industry of success in the research. The novelty or potentially transformative nature of the research should be included, as a minimum, in the Project Summary of each proposal.
The duration of unsolicited proposal awards in CBET is generally up to three years. Single-investigator award budgets typically include support for one graduate student (or equivalent) and up to one month of PI time per year(awards for multiple investigator projects are typically larger). Proposal budgets that are much larger than typical should be discussed with the program director prior to submission. Proposers can view budget amounts and other information from recent awards made by this program via the “What Has Been Funded (Recent Awards Made Through This Program, with Abstracts)” link towards the bottom of this page.
Faculty Early Career Development(CAREER)program proposals are strongly encouraged. Award duration is five years. The submission deadline for Engineering CAREER proposals is in July every year. Learn more in theCAREER program description.
Proposals for Conferences, Workshops, and Supplements: PIs are strongly encouraged to discuss their requests with the program director before submission of the proposal.
Grants forRapid Response Research(RAPID)andEArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research(EAGER)are also considered when appropriate. Please note that proposals of these types must be discussed with the program director before submission.Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI)proposals that integrate fundamental research with translational results and are consistent with the application areas of interest to each program are also encouraged. Please note that RAPID, EAGER, and GOALI proposals can be submitted anytime during the year. Details about RAPID, EAGER, and GOALI are available in the Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide(PAPPG), Part 1, Chapter II, Section E: Types of Proposals.
Compliance: Proposals that are not compliant with theProposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)will be returned without review.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project Summary (including novelty and/or transformative nature statement)
- Project Narrative/Description
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (for all senior personnel)
- Current and Pending Support documentation
Program contact
- 👤 National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4261
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.041 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$41,946,862
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$39,155,237
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$38,277,956
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$37,936,436
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$36,940,111
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$36,277,271
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$36,183,087
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$32,471,912
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$32,414,114
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$31,561,058
Top States by Funding
- TX 3 awards $90.6M
- CA 7 awards $85.0M
- IL 5 awards $83.9M
- AZ 2 awards $68.7M
- NC 2 awards $63.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.041). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $752,230,000 | |
| 2025 | $727,730,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $181,990,000 |
FAQ
What types of institutions can apply for this NSF Biophotonics grant?
Universities, research centers, and other research institutions are eligible. Contact the program director if unsure about institutional eligibility or project scope.
Is there a deadline for submitting proposals?
This program operates on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline. Proposals are accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis.
What research topics are supported?
Supported areas include NIR-II imaging, macromolecule markers, low coherence sensing, neurophotonics, nanophotonics, and optogenetics. Innovative proposals outside these areas may be considered with prior director approval.
What is the typical award size and duration?
Unsolicited proposals typically support up to three years of research. Single-investigator awards often include one graduate student and one month PI time per year. Multi-investigator projects typically receive larger budgets.
How competitive is this grant?
NSF grants are highly competitive. Emphasize novelty, transformative potential, engineering significance, and clear societal impact in your proposal.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact the program director before submitting if your research falls outside the listed topic areas. This prevents desk rejection and shows serious intent.
- Emphasize novelty and transformative potential in your Project Summary. NSF prioritizes groundbreaking research over incremental advances.
- Clearly articulate the engineering science behind your work and its potential societal or industry impact. Vague or overly broad claims weaken applications.
- For single-investigator awards, budget conservatively (one graduate student, limited PI time). Undersized budgets signal realistic planning.
- Allow 8-12 weeks for internal institutional review before submission. NSF deadlines are firm and late submissions are not accepted.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to articulate novelty or transformative potential compared to existing work; oversizing budgets without director pre-approval or justification. Submitting proposals on marginal topics without confirming program fit with the director first.
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