Transitions to Excellence in Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Research

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB), offers the "Transitions to Excellence in Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Research" grant program. The initiative aims to support mid-career and senior researchers, specifically those at the Associate or Full Professor level or equivalent, in transitioning to new research areas aligned with MCB priorities. The foundation is an independent federal agency dedicated to promoting science and engineering through research and education funding, and this grant program is part of its broader effort to strengthen scientific research and innovation across disciplines. This program is designed to provide funding that allows researchers to embark on a sabbatical or other professional development period lasting up to six months, during which they can acquire new skills and knowledge to shift their research focus. Following this period, the grant offers continued support for two additional years to establish the new research direction at the grantee’s home institution. The intent is to facilitate transformative research in molecular and cellular biosciences and to enhance the competitiveness of established investigators by enabling them to adopt innovative technologies and approaches that may not be accessible in their current research environment. Applicants must propose projects that advance fundamental understanding at the molecular, subcellular, or cellular level and demonstrate a strong prior research record. The proposal must outline a compelling professional development plan, a strategy for implementing new research directions, and strong institutional support as evidenced by a required letter from the department chair. Proposals lacking a clear plan for research transition or those focused on disease-related studies will not be considered. Proposals are accepted at any time and must be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov in accordance with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide. The review process assesses proposals based on intellectual merit and broader impacts, as well as the feasibility and justification of the professional development and subsequent research plans. Additional letters from the sabbatical host laboratory are optional but can strengthen the proposal. The program anticipates awarding 5 to 8 grants annually, with individual awards of up to $750,000 and total program funding estimated at $6,000,000. There are no specific eligibility limitations concerning organizations or individuals beyond the requirement that unaffiliated individuals may not apply. The proposal must include a detailed budget, and no cost-sharing is required. Key contacts for the program include NSF staff members Wilson A. Francisco, Anthony G. Garza, Manju M. Hingorani, and Richard J. Cyr. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the full solicitation document and to contact these program officers with specific questions. Applications can be prepared following standard NSF formats and should include all required documentation and adhere to guidelines regarding submission and reporting.