The Cellular and Biochemical Engineering (CBE) program, part of the Engineering Biology and Health cluster within the National Science Foundation, supports fundamental engineering research aimed at advancing the understanding of cellular and biomolecular processes. The program emphasizes the development of enabling technologies for advanced biomanufacturing of therapeutic cells, biochemicals, and biopharmaceuticals, contributing to innovations in biotechnology industries. Research funded by this program often integrates experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches to explore interactions among biomolecules, subcellular systems, and cell populations, focusing on their structure, function, and behavior. A quantitative analysis of biological processes is considered essential for successful projects within this program.

Key research areas of interest include metabolic engineering and synthetic biology for biomanufacturing, synthetic metabolic components and synthetic cells, microbiome structure and function, protein and enzyme engineering, and integrated chemoenzymatic systems. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate significant novelty and transformative potential, especially those that address broad scientific challenges while incorporating educational activities into ongoing research efforts. Researchers are encouraged to propose cross-disciplinary projects that combine expertise from multiple fields to achieve innovative outcomes.

Proposals submitted to the program must clearly articulate the potential impact of the research on biomanufacturing processes. Projects primarily focused on tissue engineering, organ culture, or technologies related to disease diagnosis and treatment are better suited for the Engineering of Biomedical Systems program. Researchers with proposals outside the core research focus areas are advised to contact the program director before submission to ensure alignment with the program’s objectives.

The program supports standard unsolicited proposals, Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) proposals, and special grants such as Rapid Response Research (RAPID), Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER), and Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI). Proposals for conferences, workshops, and supplemental funding are also considered. Investigators are encouraged to consult with the program director before submitting these types of proposals.

Typical awards in the program last up to three years and provide support for one graduate student and one month of principal investigator time per year. Larger budgets for multi-investigator projects may be considered, but proposers should discuss such requests with the program director beforehand. All proposals must follow the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide guidelines and be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov.

The program operates within the Directorate for Engineering, specifically under the Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems. Researchers can contact Program Director Steven W. Peretti for further guidance. Proposals are accepted year-round, and additional details, including information on previously funded projects, are available on the NSF CBE program webpage.