Designing Synthetic Cells Beyond the Bounds of Evolution

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering funding under its program titled "Designing Synthetic Cells Beyond the Bounds of Evolution (Designer Cells)" to support pioneering research at the interface of synthetic biology and cellular engineering. The program is administered through a cross-directorate collaboration that includes the Directorate for Biological Sciences, Directorate for Engineering, and Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences. These entities aim to promote technological innovations in rational cell design, a rapidly evolving field that has profound implications for fundamental science and practical biotechnology. The initiative builds upon advances that enable researchers to engineer synthetic cells and cell-like systems, pushing beyond the evolutionary constraints of naturally occurring organisms. The overarching objective of the Designer Cells program is threefold: to support the development of minimal functional cellular units through synthetic systems; to explore questions regarding the origins and evolution of life, including alternative biological diversities not currently observed in nature; and to drive innovative biotechnological applications through the use of designed cell-like systems. To ensure a responsible approach, all projects must incorporate an analysis of the social, ethical, and biosafety implications of synthetic cellular technologies. NSF emphasizes that competitive proposals must demonstrate outstanding intellectual merit and potential for broader societal impacts, and must integrate these considerations holistically into their research plans. This funding opportunity is open to a broad array of applicants. Eligible institutions include accredited two- and four-year U.S. institutions of higher education, non-profit non-academic organizations such as research laboratories and professional societies, and federally recognized tribal governments. There are no restrictions on who may serve as a Principal Investigator (PI), nor are there any limits on the number of proposals submitted by a given organization or individual. This inclusive eligibility model is designed to encourage interdisciplinary collaborations that can advance both scientific and societal understanding of synthetic biology. Proposals are expected to address one or more of the solicitation’s central themes: the design and functional analysis of synthetic cell components; the use of engineered systems to investigate biological diversity and the evolution of life; and the development of new functionalities in synthetic biosystems with applications across sectors such as health, energy, and the environment. The NSF is particularly interested in projects that not only conduct basic research but also translate findings into biotechnology applications. All proposals must address the integration of ethics, social science, or biosafety perspectives, with special consideration given to those that include funded collaborations with experts in these areas. Applications must be submitted through either Research.gov or Grants.gov by 5 p.m. local time on February 1, 2024. The program operates on a biennial schedule, with proposals accepted every other year thereafter on February 1. NSF plans to award approximately 5 to 7 grants annually, contingent on the availability of funds, with a total program budget of about $6 million per year. Awards may be structured as either standard or continuing grants, and their size and duration will vary depending on project scope. For further information, applicants may contact the program officers listed in the solicitation: Anthony G. Garza ([email protected]), Steven W. Peretti ([email protected]), or Lee D. Walker ([email protected]). All proposals must conform to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide applicable at the time of submission. Proposals that lack sufficient intellectual merit or broader impact potential will not be competitive. Award notifications will follow NSF's standard review and administrative processes, with grants administered per NSF’s general award conditions. Reporting requirements include annual and final project updates via Research.gov.