Mathematical Biology

The National Science Foundation's (NSF) Mathematical Biology Program supports research at the intersection of mathematical and biological sciences. Administered by the Division of Mathematical Sciences (MPS/DMS), this program encourages mathematical innovation that is highly relevant to the biological sciences and aims to strengthen the integration between the two fields. NSF is a federal agency known for funding foundational scientific research across disciplines in the United States. This program welcomes proposals that demonstrate both mathematical novelty and biological significance. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the development of mathematical theories, methodologies, and computational tools that aid biological understanding. The program seeks proposals that might also be eligible for review by related programs across NSF’s Biological Sciences Directorate. Investigators are encouraged to coordinate with multiple program officers when their research crosses disciplinary boundaries. Special considerations are available for proposals under the Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) framework, and applicants must follow the RUI solicitation instructions. Additionally, the Mathematical Biology Program allows for exploratory (EAGER) and rapid response (RAPID) proposals, for which principal investigators must contact program directors before submission. For conference and workshop proposals, a lead time of eight months (domestic) or twelve months (international) prior to the event is required. Applications must be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov in alignment with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Proposals should comply with formatting and submission instructions detailed in the program solicitation. Deadlines are presented as annual submission windows. For fiscal year 2026 and beyond, proposals to the core Mathematical Biology program will be accepted from October 1 through October 14 each year. Program contacts include Dr. Zhilan J. Feng (zfeng@nsf.gov, 703-292-7523), Lisa G. Davis (lgdavis@nsf.gov, 703-292-5190), and Vu Dinh (vdinh@nsf.gov, 703-292-8128). The upcoming submission window opens October 1, 2026, and closes October 14, 2026. Because the program is recurring, researchers should prepare well in advance of these dates. The NSF encourages applicants to consult with program officers regarding proposal suitability and submission timing.