A Science of Science Approach to Analyzing and Innovating the Biomedical Research Enterprise

The National Science Foundation (NSF), in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has issued a funding opportunity under the program "A Science of Science Approach to Analyzing and Innovating the Biomedical Research Enterprise (SoS:BIO)". The program aims to support research that advances the scientific basis of science and innovation policy, particularly within the biomedical sciences. By leveraging expertise from the Science of Science: Discovery, Communication, and Impact Program (SoS:DCI) and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), the initiative seeks to enhance understanding and evaluation of the biomedical research enterprise. The program seeks proposals that develop models, analytical tools, and metrics that inform science policy and the evolution of the scientific enterprise. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary research and broadening participation in STEM, especially among underrepresented communities. Research projects may focus on various aspects of the biomedical research ecosystem, including workforce diversity, innovation, productivity, and efficiency. The anticipated funding amount for this opportunity is $2,000,000 per year, with 4-8 awards expected annually. The NSF and NIGMS will each contribute up to $1 million, subject to the availability of funds and the receipt of meritorious proposals. Individual awards are expected to range from $100,000 to $250,000 per year, with a maximum duration of four years. Proposals may be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov, and submission requirements must comply with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). The eligibility criteria allow for proposals from institutions and researchers in accordance with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG), Chapter I.E. There are no restrictions on the number of proposals submitted per institution or investigator. However, unaffiliated individuals are not eligible to apply. Applications will be reviewed based on NSF’s merit review criteria, including Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts, along with NIH-specific review criteria such as Significance, Investigators, Innovation, Approach, and Environment. Awards will be issued as Standard Grants or Continuing Grants, with potential funding from either NSF or NIH, depending on programmatic alignment. The application deadlines for this opportunity are September 11, 2023, and February 9, 2024, with annual deadlines of September 9 and February 9 thereafter. Proposers are encouraged to contact program officers before submission to ensure alignment with program priorities. Key contacts include Mary Feeney (NSF), Thomas Woodson (NSF), and Kenneth Gibbs (NIH/NIGMS).