The U.S. National Science Foundation Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB) supports research that examines the fundamental properties of living systems, ranging from atoms to cells.
MCB encourages novel ideas in biology that draw from other fields, such as chemistry, engineering and mathematics, to expand the boundaries of research and apply the knowledge gained for societal advancement.
What we support
MCB invests in fundamental research and education across many rapidly evolving fields that examine the smallest level of biological organization across all organisms, providing fundamental insights that can drive the bioeconomy.
Core programs
In addition to a range of cross-directorate programs and partnerships with other funders, MCB maintains four core programs designed to support new concepts in biology that explore the fundamental rules of life at the molecular and cellular level.
Cellular Dynamics and Function
Supports interdisciplinary quantitative research aimed at mechanistic understanding of the structure, function and evolution of cellular and subcellular systems across the tree of life.
Genetic Mechanisms
Supports research on the fundamental mechanisms involved in the organization, dynamics, processing, expression, regulation and evolution of genetic and epigenetic information.
Molecular Biophysics
Supports computational and experimental research on the structure, dynamics and function of biomolecules, supermolecular assemblies and their interactions.
Systems and Synthetic Biology
Supports research that employs systems biology or synthetic biology approaches to address compelling questions in molecular and cellular biology.
Focused programs
Who we are
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