Building Research Capacity of New Faculty in Biology | 22 500

Opportunity Information: Apply for 22 500

Building Research Capacity of New Faculty in Biology (BRC-BIO) is a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant program run through the Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO), specifically requiring proposals to be submitted to the Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI). The program is designed to help new biology faculty at institutions that are not among the nation s most research-intensive universities build the foundation for strong, independent research programs. It is especially aimed at minority-serving institutions (MSIs), predominantly undergraduate institutions (PUIs), and other colleges and universities where teaching and undergraduate education are central and where research infrastructure or support may be more limited.

A major purpose of BRC-BIO is to broaden participation in two connected ways. First, it seeks to expand the range of institution types that successfully submit proposals to NSF BIO, helping bring more under-resourced and teaching-focused campuses into the NSF biology funding ecosystem. Second, it aims to expand opportunities for groups historically underrepresented in the biological sciences, including Blacks and African Americans, Hispanics and Latinos, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, and people with disabilities. The program places particular emphasis on supporting those working in settings where resources and research capacity have traditionally been constrained, aligning with NSF s broader priorities around diversity, equity, and inclusion.

In practical terms, BRC-BIO awards are meant to provide the means for early-career faculty to initiate and grow a sustainable research program. That often implies support that strengthens research capacity in ways that are realistic for institutions with heavier teaching loads or fewer existing research supports. While the program is focused on establishing independent research trajectories for new faculty, it also encourages projects that build productive research connections. Proposals may include biology-focused collaborations within the same institution, across peer institutions, with research-intensive universities, or through partnerships with industry or other non-academic organizations, as long as those relationships clearly advance the faculty member s research program and long-term capacity.

NSF frames this opportunity as part of a national need to broaden, strengthen, and diversify the STEM workforce. By building research capacity where it is most likely to expand access, the program is intended to create durable research pathways for faculty and to improve the quality and availability of undergraduate research experiences. A key underlying idea is that strengthening faculty research at MSIs, PUIs, and similar institutions can have an outsized impact on student training and persistence in STEM, since these campuses educate large numbers of undergraduates and often serve students who are underrepresented in science.

From the source details provided, this is a discretionary NSF grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number 22 500; CFDA 47.074) in the science and technology research and development category. The original posting date was October 7, 2021, with an original closing date of January 31, 2022, and NSF anticipated making around 30 awards. The listing notes an award ceiling of 0, which typically indicates the ceiling was not specified in that particular summary record rather than implying there is no practical budget limit. Eligible applicants are described broadly as "Others" with additional eligibility clarification referenced in the full solicitation text.

• The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Building Research Capacity of New Faculty in Biology" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.074.
• This funding opportunity was created on Oct 07, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jan 31, 2022. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 30 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for 22 500

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