Engineering Biological and Biomedical Systems (EBBS)
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and institutions conducting fundamental engineering research on biological and biomedical systems. U.S. academic institutions, research centers, and NSF-eligible organizations can apply. Projects must combine engineering with experimental or computational approaches to understand biological mechanisms, develop biosensing platforms, restore tissue/organ function, or advance biomanufacturing. Research driven by the needs of persons with disabilities is particularly encouraged.
The program excludes proposals primarily focused on drug design, drug delivery, or developing animal disease models. Clinical trials are not supported, and commercialization-focused work should be directed to other NSF directorates. Limited human volunteer studies may be acceptable if necessary for project objectives.
Program description
The Engineering Biological and Biomedical Systems (EBBS) program expands our understanding of biological and physiological systems, and it helps improve human health. For U.S. leadership in biotechnology, the engineering of biology is required at every scale. Engineering is needed for sensing biomarkers to making proteins to restoring functions of the body. In EBBS, fundamental mechanistic insights are combined with experimental and computational techniques. This approach helps develop platforms, devices, organisms, tissues, and processes that bring new understanding and control of biological functions.
EBBS supports studies of mechanisms that drive the behavior of microbial populations and cells, and of therapeutic cells and tissues. This includes discovering the underlying engineering principles that are needed to capture the responses of biological systems and bioreactors. It also includes the creation of novel biosensing platforms and new optical imaging and modulation strategies. Research that enables the design of biological systems to sense and respond to novel stimuli is welcome. Similarly, projects leading to insight into tissue changes or injury, and to systems that imitate or restore the functions of tissues or organs are encouraged.
Projects that advance rehabilitation engineering through new theories and approaches are supported by the EBBS program. Fundamental engineering research driven by the needs of persons with disabilities is encouraged.
The EBBS program expands what is possible in biomanufacturing; research may advance biotechnology and/or health. EBBS research must enable improved biological processes, create novel biomedical technologies, or achieve new understanding of physiological or pathological processes.
EBBS does not support proposals with a main goal of drug design, drug delivery, or the development of animal models of disease. Using existing models for experimental testing and validation is acceptable. Projects that focus on testing and validating therapies are not supported. Clinical trials are not supported. Limited studies involving human volunteers may be supported if appropriate to the project objectives. Projects focused on commercialization are more appropriate for the NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP).
Partnerships: To speed discovery and innovation, NSF partners with federal agencies, industry, international groups, and others. Current opportunities are at NSF ENG Partnerships.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- NSF PAPPG standard forms (SF-424, cover sheet)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches
- Conflict of Interest Certification
- Facility and Equipment descriptions (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
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
-
$41,946,862
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$39,061,846
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$38,277,956
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$37,936,436
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$36,940,111
-
$36,277,271
-
$36,183,087
-
$32,471,912
-
$32,414,114
-
$31,561,058
Top States by Funding
- TX 3 awards $90.6M
- CA 7 awards $85.0M
- IL 4 awards $70.2M
- AZ 2 awards $68.7M
- NC 2 awards $61.1M
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 organizations can apply for EBBS funding?
U.S. academic institutions, research centers, and NSF-eligible organizations can apply. Principal investigators should confirm their institution's NSF eligibility before submitting.
Can I propose a project focused on drug development or clinical trials?
No. EBBS does not fund drug design, drug delivery, or clinical trials. Research on improving biological processes or understanding physiological systems is welcome instead.
Does EBBS require cost sharing or matching funds?
No cost sharing is required for this program. Your institution does not need to contribute matching funds.
What makes a competitive EBBS proposal stand out?
Strong proposals combine fundamental engineering principles with experimental validation, address unmet needs (especially for persons with disabilities), and develop generalizable platforms or processes applicable beyond a single application.
How long does a typical EBBS project last?
EBBS supports projects of various durations. Check the most recent program solicitation for specific guidance on award timelines and budget periods.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Ground your proposal in fundamental engineering principles, not just descriptive biology or validation of existing methods.
- Connect your work to tangible applications: sensing, manufacturing, restoration, or rehabilitation. Abstract theory alone is less competitive.
- If your work benefits persons with disabilities, highlight this explicitly. It strengthens alignment with program priorities.
- Use partnerships strategically. NSF values collaboration with industry, federal agencies, or international partners to accelerate impact.
- Clearly articulate what new understanding or capability your research will enable. Avoid framing your work as drug development or commercialization.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing research that is primarily drug design, drug delivery, or clinical validation rather than fundamental engineering insights. Submitting work focused on commercialization or creating animal models without strong engineering components. Failing to articulate how your research creates new biological understanding or enables novel engineering platforms beyond a single application.
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