Core Research in Biological Sciences (BIO Core)
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for foundational and interdisciplinary biological sciences research at any organizational level, from molecular to biome scale.
Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education (two- and four-year colleges and universities accredited in the US), non-profit non-academic organizations (museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies) located in the US, and federally recognized tribal nations.
Projects may be single- or multi-investigator awards. The agency supports both exploratory projects and long-term research with varying budgets and durations.
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Program description
The U.S. National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Biological Sciences (NSF BIO) Core Research in Biological Sciences (BIO Core) funding opportunity supports foundational and interdisciplinary research projects that expand knowledge of biology at any level of organization, from the molecular to the biome scale. We accept proposals that cover scientific topics associated with legacy programs historically supported by NSF BIO and proposals that explore new areas of biological sciences.
BIO Core funds single- and multi-investigator awards. The portfolio of awards is anticipated to include a range of budgets and durations, including exploratory projects of smaller scope and long-horizon projects that benefit from longer-term commitment. BIO Core awards are subject to the availability of funds.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NSF PAPPG cover sheet (typically SF-424 R&R)
- Project narrative/proposal text
- Budget narrative and budget justification
- Biographical sketches (all senior personnel)
- Current and pending support documentation
- Letters of collaboration (if multi-institutional)
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.074 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$401,043,378
-
$268,297,107
-
$66,886,066
-
$59,000,000
-
$46,262,435
-
$39,723,283
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$39,604,013
-
$31,000,000
-
$29,500,000
-
$22,800,000
Top States by Funding
- OH 2 awards $413.5M
- CO 4 awards $299.9M
- NY 6 awards $133.9M
- AZ 5 awards $103.1M
- CA 8 awards $93.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.074). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $813,390,000 | |
| 2025 | $789,240,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $221,290,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for BIO Core funding?
IHEs (accredited US colleges/universities), non-profit research organizations, museums, observatories, and federally recognized tribal nations may apply. International branch campuses require justification.
What types of research does BIO Core support?
Foundational and interdisciplinary biological sciences research at any organizational level, from molecular to biome scale. Both legacy program topics and new biological science areas qualify.
Can international institutions apply?
No, only US-based organizations. US institutions with international branch campuses must justify why activities cannot be performed at the US campus.
What budget and project duration are typical?
The portfolio includes exploratory projects of smaller scope and longer-term projects. Budgets and durations vary based on project needs and fund availability.
Is cost sharing required?
No, cost sharing is not a requirement for BIO Core awards.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Ground your proposal in foundational science questions. NSF BIO Core values research that advances core biological knowledge.
- Show how your project fits within or extends NSF BIO's priority areas. Use the agency's strategic vision documents to guide framing.
- Be clear about project scope and timeline. Explain whether you're proposing exploratory work or a longer-term commitment and justify the budget accordingly.
- If using an international branch campus, provide compelling justification. Simply stating convenience is not enough; show unique advantages.
- Build a strong research team. Multi-investigator proposals should clearly define roles and explain why collaboration strengthens the work.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting from ineligible institutions (for-profit entities, non-accredited schools). Vague research questions that lack clear biological significance. Proposing budgets disconnected from project scope—either under-budgeting exploratory work or over-requesting without justification.
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