Transitions to Excellence in Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Research

The Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB) has introduced a new funding opportunity, titled "Transitions to Excellence in Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Research." This unique grant aims to support researchers with a proven track record who wish to explore new areas of research or inquiry.

The central motive behind this funding mechanism is to empower researchers to adopt innovative technologies not readily available in their current research environment or collaboration network. The hope is that this will foster transformative research that crosses multiple disciplines, thereby boosting research programs that are positioned to make significant contributions.

The grant is targeted at mid-career or later-stage researchers (at Associate or Full Professor-level, or comparable level), seeking to grow or transition in their research programs. This could be through a sabbatical leave or similar professional development process, followed by developing that research program in their individual labs.

By providing funds to cover the PI's salary for up to six months during the first sabbatical or professional development year, the award aims to support the acquisition of new scientific knowledge and technical expertise. Additionally, facilitating the scholar's competitiveness, with potential transformative impacts in molecular and cellular bioscience. The funding then extends for two more years for continued research following the return to routine academic duties.

MCB and the National Science Foundation look forward to utilizing this novel approach to encourage researchers to venture into new fields aligned with MCB priorities. The aim is to retain investigators in science and provide a diverse and engaged scientific workforce.

Proposals are expected to show strong evidence of prior accomplishment, a compelling professional development plan promising new scholarship directions, and strong justification for the support needed. A letter of support from the department chair will also be required. Proposals that do not reflect a plan for changing research directions won't be considered. Also, proposals motivated to comprehend the molecular and cellular basis of diseases and treatments will be rejected.

The priority is given to proposals demonstrating high intellectual merit and broader impacts. Proposals failing in either category or expected to have only incremental impacts will lack competitiveness. The program is particularly interested in proposals addressing significant questions at intersections of biology with domains like physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, and engineering.