Division of Integrative Organismal Systems Core Programs

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Directorate for Biological Sciences and Division of Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS), has released Solicitation NSF 24-546 for the IOS Core Programs. This opportunity is designed to support fundamental research aimed at understanding the structural and functional organization of organisms. Emphasis is placed on integrative, interdisciplinary approaches that utilize biological systems as a central unit of analysis, spanning molecular to ecosystem scales. The solicitation also offers a specialized track known as Integrative Research in Biology (IntBIO), encouraging collaboration across sub-disciplines to address bold and complex biological questions. The IOS Core Programs Track welcomes proposals across a wide range of biological research areas including, but not limited to, developmental biology, neuroscience, biomechanics, symbiosis, genomics, and organism-environment interactions. Projects are expected to focus on organisms and use systems approaches to derive conceptual insights and predictive models. Both single-investigator and large team-science proposals are supported, with durations ranging from one to five years and budgets calibrated to the scope of work proposed. The IntBIO Track within this solicitation promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration among investigators addressing fundamental, overarching biological questions. Successful IntBIO proposals will involve teams with diverse expertise and clearly articulated integration strategies. Requirements include a graphical integration plan, a description of each team member's role, and a training and education plan aimed at fostering integrative research skills. These proposals must begin with “IntBIO:” in the title and meet additional evaluation criteria. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and may be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov. There are no deadlines or limits on the number of submissions per PI, co-PI, or institution. The program anticipates distributing approximately 150 awards annually, with a combined funding estimate of $70 million per year, contingent upon the availability of funds. No cost sharing is required and indirect cost limitations do not apply. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based institutions of higher education and certain non-profit, non-academic organizations such as museums and research labs. There are no restrictions on who may serve as principal investigator. Proposals involving off-campus or field research must include a Safe and Harassment-free Fieldwork (SAHF) Plan detailing measures for ensuring respectful and safe work environments. Program contacts include dedicated directors for each research cluster. For example, the Behavioral Systems Program can be reached at IOSBSC@nsf.gov or (703) 292-8423, and similar contact details are provided for each relevant domain. Supplemental funding opportunities such as REU, RET, RAHSS, and INTERN are available. Although the program accepts proposals year-round, supplemental requests are typically reviewed by March 1 each year.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult a program director prior to submission, especially for IntBIO and supplemental proposals.