Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Core Programs
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for academic and research institutions seeking funding for fundamental molecular and cellular biology research. Universities, community colleges, and independent research organizations in the US can apply. Projects must advance mechanistic understanding of molecular, cellular, or subcellular systems. Research must explore basic science questions; disease-focused clinical research is not supported unless it advances other fields like engineering or computer science.
Geographic scope is US-based institutions only. International collaborations are allowed but must be justified. The program prioritizes quantitative, predictive knowledge and interdisciplinary approaches combining biology with chemistry, physics, mathematics, or engineering.
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Program description
MCB supports research that promises to uncover the fundamental properties of living systems across atomic, molecular, subcellular, and cellular scales. The program gives high priority to projects that advance mechanistic understanding of the structure, function, and evolution of molecular, subcellular, and cellular systems, especially research that aims at quantitative and predictive knowledge of complex behavior and emergent properties. MCB encourages research exploring new concepts in molecular and cellular biology, while incorporating insights and approaches from other scientific disciplines, such as chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physics, to illuminate principles that govern life at the molecular and cellular level. MCB also encourages research that exploits experimental and theoretical approaches and utilizes a diverse spectrum of model and non-model animals, plants, and microbes across the tree of life. Proposals that pursue potentially transformative ideas are welcome, even if these entail higher risk.
This solicitation calls for proposals in research areas supported by the four MCB core clusters, including: (i) structure, dynamics, and function of biomolecules and supramolecular assemblies, especially under physiological conditions (Molecular Biophysics); (ii) organization, processing, expression, regulation, and evolution of genetic and epigenetic information (Genetic Mechanisms); (iii) cellular structure, properties, and function across broad spatiotemporal scales (Cellular Dynamics and Function); and (iv) systems and/or synthetic biology to study complex interactions through modeling or manipulation or design of living systems at the molecular-to-cellular scale (Systems and Synthetic Biology). All MCB clusters prioritize projects that integrate across scales, investigate molecular and cellular evolution, synergize experimental research with computational or mathematical modeling, and/or develop innovative, broadly applicable methods and technologies. Projects that bridge the intellectual edges between MCB clusters are welcome. Projects that integrate molecular and cellular biosciences with other subdisciplines of biology are also welcome through the new Integrative Research in Biology (IntBIO) track.
Regarding health-related challenges, NSF supports basic research in all areas of the biological sciences and recognizes that this foundational research is likely to impact many different areas, including human health. MCB celebrates all the biological science discoveries funded through MCB awards that have had major impacts on health, environment, energy, food production, and other applications. Nevertheless, research focused exclusively on understanding human diseases and their treatment is normally outside of the scope offunding and will be returned without review unless that research significantly advances other fields such as engineering, computer science, or the mathematical and physical sciences.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- NSF SF-424 (or PAPPG current cover sheet format)
- Project Narrative (research objectives, methods, significance)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical sketches (key personnel)
- Current and Pending Support statement
- Institutional commitment/administrative approvals
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
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$268,297,107
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$66,886,066
-
$59,000,000
-
$46,262,435
-
$39,723,283
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$39,454,013
-
$31,000,000
-
$24,500,000
-
$22,800,000
Top States by Funding
- OH 2 awards $413.5M
- CO 3 awards $295.1M
- NY 4 awards $119.3M
- CA 9 awards $96.9M
- AZ 3 awards $91.8M
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
What types of organizations can apply?
US institutions of higher education (including community colleges) and non-profit research organizations like museums and laboratories can apply. Proposals must be submitted by the institution on behalf of faculty or researchers.
What research topics are in scope?
Molecular biophysics, genetic mechanisms, cellular dynamics, systems biology, and synthetic biology are supported. Interdisciplinary projects combining biology with chemistry, physics, engineering, or mathematics are encouraged.
Can I propose disease-focused research?
Disease research is typically not funded unless it significantly advances other fields like engineering or computer science. Basic research discoveries are welcomed regardless of downstream health applications.
Is there a deadline?
This is a rolling program with no fixed deadline. You can submit proposals throughout the year, but check NSF's website for any seasonal patterns or program updates.
What's the typical funding amount?
Award amounts vary. The program has $110 million in total annual funding across multiple research areas.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Read the four MCB cluster descriptions carefully and align your proposal to the most relevant one before drafting.
- Use quantitative, computational, or mathematical modeling to strengthen your approach; integration across scales is highly valued.
- Justify interdisciplinary elements clearly, especially if you're bridging MCB clusters or combining biology with other sciences.
- Avoid pure disease diagnosis or treatment focus; frame health-relevant research in terms of fundamental biological discovery.
- Check NSF proposal guidelines (PAPPG) for current page limits, budget formats, and required documentation before submitting.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing research focused solely on human disease treatment rather than fundamental biological mechanisms. Failing to articulate a clear mechanistic or quantitative hypothesis that advances basic science. Submitting without sufficient justification for interdisciplinary approaches or integration across organizational levels.
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