The Infrastructure Innovation for Biological Research (Innovation) program, managed by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the Directorate for Biological Sciences, aims to support research projects focused on developing novel or significantly improved tools, methods, and technologies to advance biological sciences. The program specifically targets three areas: bioinformatics, instrumentation, and research methods. Projects must demonstrate significant potential to address fundamental biological research questions and have applications beyond a single research team.

The program encourages high-risk, high-reward proposals that can deliver transformative outcomes rather than incremental improvements. Proposals should emphasize the innovative aspects of the infrastructure being developed and clarify how the infrastructure will advance biological research. Collaboration across institutions, inclusion of underrepresented groups, and promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion are highly encouraged.

Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, non-profit non-academic organizations, and similar entities engaged in educational or research activities. There are no restrictions on the number of proposals an institution or individual may submit.

Proposals are accepted at any time and must follow the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Applications must include a Safe and Inclusive Fieldwork (SAIF) Plan for off-campus or off-site research activities, detailing measures to ensure safety, inclusivity, and proper reporting mechanisms for harassment or misconduct.

The program expects to make 20 to 40 awards, with anticipated funding between $16 million and $18 million annually. The duration and size of awards will vary based on the scope and complexity of the proposed work.

Proposals will be evaluated based on NSF’s merit review criteria: Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. Additionally, reviewers will consider factors like the project’s relevance to advancing basic biological research, community needs, dissemination plans, and risk assessment.

For further inquiries, applicants can contact program officers for bioinformatics, instrumentation, and research methods at the listed NSF contact points​.