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Issued by

National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)

Purpose

The purpose of this notice is to announce that the NIH is collaborating on the multi-agency funding opportunity, Molecular Foundations for Biotechnology (MFB) Partnerships to Transform Emerging Industries (NSF 24-607). 

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will participate in the MFB initiative led by the National Science Foundation (NSF). MFB applications must aim to develop and provide proof-of-concept testing of tools, methodology and/or accelerate fundamental discoveries about RNA structure, interactions, and functions at molecular or genome and transcriptome-wide scales. The proposed research and outcomes should have significant relevance to physiological conditions. The program will also prioritize projects with potential for biotechnology applications that impact economic sectors such as agriculture or energy production, or help mitigate the effects of climate change, improve environmental sustainability, and/or combat global pandemics, among other societal benefits. The NHGRI will consider applications that are relevant to the NHGRI mission to accelerate scientific and medical breakthroughs that improve human health. Detailed information about this program can be obtained on the NSF website: https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/mfb-molecular-foundations-biotechnology.

NIH Partner Interests: National Human Genome Research Institute NHGRI supports resources, approaches, and technologies that accelerate genomic research focused on the structure and biology of genomes; the genomics of disease; the implementation and effectiveness of genomic medicine; computational genomics and data science; the impact of genomic technology, advances, and implementation on health disparities and health equity; and ethical, legal, and social issues related to genomic advances. In general, NHGRI supports studies that provide generalizable methods and knowledge. Approaches that are comprehensive across the genome or are generalizable across variants, tissues, diseases, or function may be in scope for NHGRI to the extent they address priority areas described in the NHGRI 2020 Strategic Vision and on the web pages for the research mission of NHGRI’s Extramural Divisions and Offices. Applications for studies relevant only to a particular disease or organ system should be directed to the appropriate Institute or Center. Applications whose primary scientific objective is to understand a single biological or behavioral process, the pathophysiology of a disease, or the mechanism of action of an intervention, will not be in scope for NHGRI. 

Application Preparation and Submission Instructions: The deadline for submission of applications to NSF in response to the MFB Program is December 16, 2024. Applications must be submitted to the NSF in accordance with NSF 24-607 and not to the NIH. The scientific review of the MFB applications will be a jointly-conducted initial peer review organized by NSF. Meritorious applications may be recommended for funding by either NSF or NIH, at the option of the participating agencies. Subsequent to the NSF review, eligible applicants whose research is appropriate for NHGRI and have received highly meritorious scores will be provided with instructions on how to submit their applications in an NIH-approved format directly to the Center for Scientific Review of the NIH for further processing. Subsequent submission and grant administration procedures will be in accordance with NIH policy. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact NIH or NSF program officials prior to submitting an application. 

Award Information: It is anticipated that the MFB program will issue approximately five awards in the summer or fall of 2025. All awards are subject to the availability of funds. The award duration is no more than three years for NSF and NIH awards. For this solicitation, award sizes must not exceed $1,500,000 in total costs (direct and indirect) for the entire project and a duration and must be commensurate with the scale and scope of the research

Inquiries

Please direct all inquiries to:

Ian Nova
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
Telephone: 240-987-2885