In recent years, researchers have assembled synthetic microbial communities that have novel compositions, genetics, and phenotypes, and they have used these communities to address both fundamental biological questions and a range of societal problems. To support such research efforts, NSF has released the Building Synthetic Microbial Communities for Biology, Mitigating Climate Change, Sustainability and Biotechnology (Synthetic Communities) solicitation (NSF 22-607).

The goal of this solicitation is to support research that addresses one or more of the three themes:

1. Define the underlying mechanisms or rules that drive the formation, maintenance, or evolution of synthetic microbial communities
2. Use synthetic microbial communities to address fundamental biological questions, including questions in molecular biology, cellular/organismal biology, ecology, and evolution
3. Build synthetic communities with biotechnology, bioeconomy, or environmental engineering applications

Full Proposal Deadlines: October 03, 2022 (due by 5 p.m. submitter’s local time)

Anticipated Funding Amount: $9,500,000

To learn more, read the solicitation posted here and reach out to any of the cognizant Program Officers below.

Anthony Garza	aggarza@nsf.gov	(703) 292-8440	BIO/MCB
John McDowell	jmcdowel@nsf.gov	(703) 292-8008	BIO/IOS
Andrea Porras-Alfaro	aporrasa@nsf.gov	(703) 292-2944	BIO/DEB
Mamta Rawat	mrawat@nsf.gov	(703) 292-7265	BIO/IOS