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Molecular Biophysics

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NSF 24-539

Important information about NSF’s implementation of the revised 2 CFR

NSF Financial Assistance awards (grants and cooperative agreements) made on or after October 1, 2024, will be subject to the applicable set of award conditions, dated October 1, 2024, available on the NSF website. These terms and conditions are consistent with the revised guidance specified in the OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2024.

Important information for proposers

All proposals must be submitted in accordance with the requirements specified in this funding opportunity and in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) that is in effect for the relevant due date to which the proposal is being submitted. It is the responsibility of the proposer to ensure that the proposal meets these requirements. Submitting a proposal prior to a specified deadline does not negate this requirement.

Supports computational and experimental research on the structure, dynamics and function of biomolecules, supermolecular assemblies and their interactions.

Supports computational and experimental research on the structure, dynamics and function of biomolecules, supermolecular assemblies and their interactions.

Synopsis

The Molecular Biophysics (MB) cluster supports fundamental research on the structure, dynamics, and function of biomolecules and supramolecular assemblies. We encourage proposals to elucidate and establish the principles that underlie biomolecular interactions, regulation of biological function from the atomic to molecular levels, and biological organization at the cellular level.

The cluster seeks studies that utilize robust experimental and computational approaches synergistically. Proposals integrating not only techniques but also emerging ideas and approaches from other disciplines to tackle complex biological problems are also welcome. The cluster strongly encourages studies under physiological conditions or those that mimic the native physiological environment. Research at the interface of the biological sciences with the chemical, computational, engineering, mathematical and physical sciences is welcome. Proposals involving mechanistic biochemistry or those that involve the study of systems from which broad biological principles cannot be derived will be given lower priority.

The cluster encourages proposals in the following areas:

  • Large scale computations that incorporate experimental constraints obtained using a variety of techniques ranging from NMR to high-resolution microscopies;
  • Biomolecular folding and dynamics studies on multiple timescales with a goal towards understanding their role in molecular recognition, function, and allostery;
  • Determination of structure, dynamics, assembly, and interactions of large functional macromolecular complexes in membrane-bound environments, membraneless cellular environments, or phase-separated condensates;
  • Understanding biophysical principles that permit life at the extremes;
  • Emerging areas such as quantum phenomena in biological systems or using quantum devices to investigate biological problems; and
  • Development of new experimental tools or techniques for the interrogation of biological questions not accessible by current techniques.

Investigators considering submitting a proposal to the cluster are encouraged to contact a MB Program Director before submission.

Program contacts

Wilson Francisco
wfrancis@nsf.gov (703) 292-7856 BIO/MCB
Jaroslaw Majewski
jmajewsk@nsf.gov (703) 292-7278 BIO/MCB
Engin Serpersu
eserpers@nsf.gov (703) 292-7124 BIO/MCB
Ishita Mukerji
imukerji@nsf.gov (703) 292-2499

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