Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences

The Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB) supports research that promises to uncover the fundamental and emergent properties of living systems across the atomic, molecular, subcellular, and cellular scale. MCB welcomes proposals that explore new concepts in molecular and cellular biology, as well as those that incorporate theories and insights from fields such as chemistry, computer sciences, engineering, mathematics, and physics in search of the fundamental rules of molecular and cellular life. Proposals that offer broadly applicable, transformative technological innovations are also encouraged. MCB strives to achieve key goals laid out in the NSF Strategic Plan, including: to empower STEM talent to fully participate in science and engineering; to foster discovery and creation of new knowledge to advance the frontiers of research, and to benefit society through translation of knowledge into solutions. In line with these goals, MCB seeks to support a broad diversity of individuals and institutions and encourages submission of basic research ideas that are inspired by curiosity and/or by their potential to be used for societal benefit.