NSF EBBS Program Funds Biological and Biomedical Engineering Research

Synopsis

The Engineering Biological and Biomedical Systems (EBBS) program expand s our understanding of biological and physiological systems, and it helps improve human health. For U.S. leadership in biotechnology, the engineering of biology is required at every scale. E ngineering is needed for sensing biomarkers to making proteins to restoring function s of the body. In EBBS, fundamental mechanistic insight s are combine d with experimental and computational techniques. This approach help s develop platforms, devices, organisms, tissues, and processes that bring new understanding and control of biological function s.

EBBS supports studies of mechanisms that driv e the behavior of microbial populations and cells, and of therapeutic cells and tissues. This includes discovering the underlying engineering principles that are needed to captur e the responses of biological systems and bioreactors. It also includes the creation of novel bio sensing platforms and new optical imaging and modulation strategies. Research that enables the design of biological systems to sense and respond to novel stimuli is welcome. Similarly, projects leading to insight into tissue changes or injury, and to systems that imitate or restore the function s of tissues or organs are encouraged.

P rojects that advanc e rehabilitation engineering through new theories and approaches are supported by the EBBS program. Fundamental engineering research driven by the needs of persons with disabilities is encouraged.

The EBBS program expand s what is possible in biomanufacturing; research may advance biotechnology and /or health. EBBS research must enabl e improved biological processes, create novel biomedical technologies, or achieve new understanding of physiological or pathological processes.

EBBS does not support proposals with a main goal of drug design, drug delivery, or t he development of animal models of disease. Using existing models for experimental testing and validation is acceptable. Projects that focus on testing and validating therapies are not supported. Clinical trials are not supported. L imited studies involving human volunteers may be supported if appropriate to the project objectives. Projects focused on commercialization are more appropriate for the NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP).

Partnerships: To speed discovery and innovation, NSF partners with federal agencies, industry, international groups, and others. Current opportunities are at NSF ENG Partnerships.

Program contacts

Awards made through this program

Browse projects funded by this program

Map of recent awards made through this program

Organization(s)

• Directorate for Engineering (ENG)
• Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems (ENG/CBET)

Upcoming due dates

Full proposal accepted anytime

Program guidelines

Apply to PD 26-369Y as follows:

Full proposals submitted via Research.gov: NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide proposal preparation guidelines apply.

Full proposals submitted via Grants.gov: NSF Grants.gov Application Guide guidelines apply. See Grants.gov Proposal Processing in Research.gov for more information.

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Published:

April 24, 2026