Message from the Assistant Director for Biological Sciences: New Programs Focus on Priorities of Integration, Convergence, and Broadening Participation Dear Colleagues, Happy New Year! As we enter into calendar year 2022, we are pleased to announce some new solicitations that will support research that addresses some of our key priorities in the Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO). Three are highlighted below and others are listed in the "Funding Opportunities" section later in this newsletter. The newly revised Understanding the Rules of Life: Emergent Networks (URoL:EN) solicitation builds on previous solicitations and awards under NSF's Understanding the Rules of Life Big Idea. The new solicitation supports both this Big Idea and BIO's efforts to integrate within the biological sciences, as well as NSF's efforts to support convergent science. The program will support research to understand "rules of emergence" for networks of living systems and their environments. The often-unanticipated outcomes of these interactions can be both wide-ranging and enormously impactful. I also want to highlight the Dark Dimensions of the RNA Regulome (D2R2) Ideas Lab, for which preliminary proposals are due January 31, 2022. We are seeking a diverse set of researchers from multiple disciplines spanning biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer and information sciences, and engineering, to stimulate generation and execution of innovative research that advances our understanding of the origin, diversity, and functions of non-coding RNAs. Finally, building off of our successful DCL issued last year, we are proud to announce the new Leading Cultural Change Through Professional Societies of Biology (BIO-LEAPS) solicitation. The program aims to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in biology at scale through culture change by leveraging the leadership, broad reach, and unique ability of professional societies. As we recognize that disciplines and societies may be at different points in assessing and addressing their culture, the program has three tracks -- Evaluation, Design and Plan, and Implementation. I encourage you to check NSF.gov and follow the BIO blogs for opportunities to learn more. We are seeking two new rotating program officers to support BIO-LEAPS and other BIO programs focused on broadening participation (e.g. RaMP and BRC-BIO): one with experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and one with experience in education and training. I encourage you to take a look at the call and either apply or share with those you think may be interested. We will begin reviewing applications on February 17, 2022 and the opportunity will remain open until filled. Sincerely,  Joanne Tornow
NSF Assistant Director for Biological Sciences |
