The National Science Foundation (NSF), in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has issued a solicitation for the Enabling Discovery through GEnomics (EDGE) program. This initiative supports the development of innovative tools, technologies, and resources to advance research in functional genomics and to address the connections between genomes and phenotypes. The EDGE program focuses on enhancing understanding of complex traits in various organisms and fostering breakthroughs in biological research through the integration of novel methodologies and infrastructure.

The primary objectives of the EDGE program are to uncover the mechanistic basis of complex multigenic traits and to support the development of tools and approaches that enable direct testing of hypotheses about gene function. The program accepts proposals under two tracks: Functional Genomic Tools (FGT) and Complex Multigenic Traits (CMT). The FGT track emphasizes the creation of functional genomic tools and resources for under-researched species, while the CMT track supports hypothesis-driven research on genotype-phenotype relationships, including systems-level analysis and innovative analytical methods.

The estimated funding for this program is $10 million annually, with 10 to 15 awards expected each year. Individual project budgets may not exceed $2 million over four years, with typical awards ranging from $125,000 to $300,000 annually. This solicitation is open to proposals from diverse fields within the biological sciences, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Proposals focused on single species or traits are required to demonstrate broad applicability to other organisms or contexts.

Eligibility is open to categories of proposers as defined in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Proposals must be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov. Each submission should include a Project Management Plan, a Dissemination and Education Plan, and any relevant supplementary documentation, such as a Data Management Plan or Vertebrate Animals statement, if applicable.

The merit review process evaluates proposals based on intellectual merit and broader impacts. Additional EDGE-specific review criteria include the potential to advance research communities, the catalytic impact of proposed tools and approaches, and the quality of dissemination plans. NIH proposals are reviewed for their relevance to genomic medicine and the potential to enhance the understanding of human health.

Full proposals are due annually on the third Thursday of February, with specific guidelines for proposal preparation detailed in the solicitation. Applicants are encouraged to contact program officers during the early stages of proposal development to ensure alignment with program goals. For more information, applicants may refer to the NSF EDGE program website or contact designated NSF and NIH representatives.