Biomedical Research Initiative for Next-Gen BioTechnologies - SynBio Control | 24 603

Opportunity Information: Apply for 24 603

The Biomedical Research Initiative for Next-Gen BioTechnologies - SynBio Control (BRING-SynBio) is a joint funding opportunity from the National Science Foundation Directorate for Engineering (NSF/ENG) and the National Institutes of Health, specifically the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIH/NIBIB). Its core purpose is to speed up the path from fundamental advances in synthetic and engineering biology to early-stage biomedical technologies, using a coordinated, interagency model where NSF supports the earlier science and NIH supports the later translation work. The solicitation is positioned squarely in the science and technology research and development space and is offered as a discretionary grant program.

A defining feature of BRING-SynBio is its required two-phase project structure. Phase I is focused on proof-of-principle research in synthetic and engineering biology, where the work is expected to generate foundational results, demonstrate feasibility, and meet clearly defined milestones. NSF provides funding for this Phase I fundamental research. Phase II is designed as exploratory biomedical engineering technology development that translates Phase I outcomes toward a biomedical technology direction that aligns with NIBIBs mission. NIH/NIBIB provides funding for Phase II. Importantly, moving from Phase I to Phase II is not automatic; NIH/NIBIB will conduct an administrative evaluation of Phase I milestone completion to decide whether a project is eligible to transition, and even strong Phase I performance does not guarantee Phase II support.

Scientifically, the solicitation emphasizes synthetic biology approaches that explicitly incorporate biological control theory, with an emphasis on control, robustness, predictability, and reliable performance in biologically complex environments. Examples of encouraged topics include new design principles for creating and characterizing synthetic biology tools and biological parts, as well as gene circuit designs that improve robustness, reliability, predictability, and tuneability compared to current approaches. The program also calls out modular design strategies where combining parts leads to predictable network-level behavior, along with new approaches that address size limitations that can constrain gene circuit designs. On the regulation and control side, the opportunity highlights synthetic gene regulatory networks aimed at controlled modulation of gene expression, including approaches for dynamic noise filtering, and synthetic circuits that incorporate new feedback control strategies. Across these areas, the through-line is not just building circuits, but engineering controllable systems that behave as intended under real biological variability.

The solicitation is strict about what counts as responsive. Proposals that only cover one phase, fail to advance synthetic biology in a way that meaningfully incorporates biological control theory, or do not address a challenge with clear relevance to NIBIBs mission are deemed non-responsive and will be returned without review. In practice, that means applicants need to present an integrated Phase I to Phase II storyline, define credible Phase I milestones that set up Phase II, and connect the translational goals to biomedical imaging and bioengineering relevance consistent with NIBIB priorities.

Eligibility is limited to certain U.S.-based organization types. Eligible applicants include U.S. non-profit, non-academic organizations such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar organizations that are directly associated with educational or research activities. Accredited U.S. institutions of higher education, including two- and four-year colleges and community colleges, may also apply on behalf of their faculty, provided they have a campus located in the United States. If a proposal includes funding for an international branch campus of a U.S. institution (including via subawards or consultants), the applicant must explain why performing work at the international branch campus benefits the project and why those activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus.

From an administrative standpoint, the opportunity is listed under Funding Opportunity Number 24-603, with CFDA numbers 47.041 and 93.286, reflecting the NSF and NIH components. The original closing date is 2024-12-04, the opportunity was created on 2024-09-06, and the expected number of awards is 8. The award ceiling is not specified in the provided source information.

• The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Biomedical Research Initiative for Next-Gen BioTechnologies - SynBio Control" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.041, 93.286.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-09-06.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-12-04. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 8 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for 24 603

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