Emerging Mathematics in Biology

The Emerging Mathematics in Biology (eMB) program is a funding initiative by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), designed to promote the development of innovative mathematical theories and methodologies applied to biological questions. The program supports projects that integrate mathematics and biology to address complex biological systems at multiple scales, ranging from molecular and cellular levels to population and ecosystem dynamics. The program aims to enhance mathematical modeling, data analysis, and mechanistic understanding in biological research while advancing novel applications of mathematical tools, including artificial intelligence, deep learning, and machine learning.

The NSF Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) and the Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) are overseeing the eMB program, with participation from various divisions, including the Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS), the Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI), the Division of Environmental Biology (DEB), the Division of Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS), and the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB). The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration between mathematicians and biologists, supporting proposals that include researchers from both fields.

Funding for the program is estimated at $2,000,000 to $6,000,000 for FY25-26, with an anticipated 10 to 15 awards annually. The duration of each award is up to three years, and awards will be issued as either Standard Grants or Continuing Grants. The program does not require cost-sharing, and indirect cost limitations do not apply. Proposals should demonstrate how mathematical methodologies will generate new biological insights and must include a clear justification of the importance of the biological questions addressed.

The program is open to U.S.-based institutions of higher education, including two- and four-year colleges and universities. International branch campuses of U.S. institutions may apply, but applicants must justify why activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus. There are no restrictions on the number of proposals per organization or individual investigator. Proposals must adhere to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) and should be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov.

The submission deadline for full proposals is March 3, 2025, with an annual deadline of March 1 in subsequent years. Proposals will be evaluated based on NSF’s Merit Review Criteria, which include Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. Additional criteria for this program include the extent to which proposals integrate mathematical and biological sciences and the innovative application of mathematical methodologies in biology.

Key program contacts include Zhilan J. Feng (MPS/DMS), Shin-Han Shiu (BIO/IOS), David J. Klinke (BIO/MCB), Jeremy Wojdak (BIO/DEB), and Jennifer W. Weller (BIO/DBI). Applicants may contact these program officers for guidance. The full details of the program, including submission guidelines, are available on the NSF website.