Biology | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation
Source: https://www.nsf.gov/focus-areas/biology
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:21
Biology | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation
Biology
Understanding life in all its forms and sustaining the Earth's ecosystems as they face unprecedented global challenges.
View image credit & caption
We advance research and discovery in biology — from molecules to the global biosphere, from cells to human communities, across time and space.
Whether it’s studying how wildlife diversity affects human health or how memory is encoded in the brain, NSF research helps the world understand the rules that govern life and sustain the complex web of living things.
Find funding in biology
Directorate for Biological Sciences
What we support
Deciphering the molecular underpinnings of life
We support
research that uncovers the fundamental and emergent properties of living systems, from atoms and molecules to cells.
Visit the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences
Understanding the structure and function of organisms
We support research aimed at understanding organisms as units of biological organization.
Visit the Division of Integrative Organismal Systems
Exploring the ecology and evolution of living things
We support
evolutionary and ecological research on species, populations, communities and ecosystems.
Visit the Division of Environmental Biology
Investing in research infrastructure
We support the development and enhancement of biological research infrastructure, including human capital, technologies, and institutes and centers.
Visit the Division of Biological Infrastructure
Expanding the frontiers of 21st century biology
We support multi- and interdisciplinary research and networking activities that arise from advances in disciplinary research.
Visit the Emerging Frontiers Office
Learn about NSF's support for research on
biotechnology
and
artificial intelligence
.
Addressing societal challenges
We invest in NSF-wide research themes that are designed to address societal challenges, including climate change. Many advances in these areas also involve development of innovative biotechnology. These topics can be explored in the
related topics
section of this page.
Related topics
Advanced materials
Artificial intelligence
Biotechnology
Disaster risk and resilience
Emerging infectious diseases
Energy technology
Understanding the brain
Wildland fire
Featured news
NSF Stories
July 18, 2025
New axolotl study gives researchers a leg up in work towards limb regeneration
Science Matters
June 26, 2025
From structure to function: Unpacking how genome organization shapes cell behavior
NSF News
June 24, 2025
NSF invests $25.5M in research to drive new U.S. manufacturing technologies and talent pipelines
Explore biology news
Educational resources
View lesson plans, activities and multimedia for K–12 audiences that focus on explorations of living things.
View the resources
Top
Biology
Understanding life in all its forms and sustaining the Earth's ecosystems as they face unprecedented global challenges.
View image credit & caption
We advance research and discovery in biology — from molecules to the global biosphere, from cells to human communities, across time and space.
Whether it’s studying how wildlife diversity affects human health or how memory is encoded in the brain, NSF research helps the world understand the rules that govern life and sustain the complex web of living things.
Find funding in biology
Directorate for Biological Sciences
What we support
Deciphering the molecular underpinnings of life
We support
research that uncovers the fundamental and emergent properties of living systems, from atoms and molecules to cells.
Visit the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences
Understanding the structure and function of organisms
We support research aimed at understanding organisms as units of biological organization.
Visit the Division of Integrative Organismal Systems
Exploring the ecology and evolution of living things
We support
evolutionary and ecological research on species, populations, communities and ecosystems.
Visit the Division of Environmental Biology
Investing in research infrastructure
We support the development and enhancement of biological research infrastructure, including human capital, technologies, and institutes and centers.
Visit the Division of Biological Infrastructure
Expanding the frontiers of 21st century biology
We support multi- and interdisciplinary research and networking activities that arise from advances in disciplinary research.
Visit the Emerging Frontiers Office
Learn about NSF's support for research on
biotechnology
and
artificial intelligence
.
Addressing societal challenges
We invest in NSF-wide research themes that are designed to address societal challenges, including climate change. Many advances in these areas also involve development of innovative biotechnology. These topics can be explored in the
related topics
section of this page.
Related topics
Advanced materials
Artificial intelligence
Biotechnology
Disaster risk and resilience
Emerging infectious diseases
Energy technology
Understanding the brain
Wildland fire
Featured news
NSF Stories
July 18, 2025
New axolotl study gives researchers a leg up in work towards limb regeneration
Science Matters
June 26, 2025
From structure to function: Unpacking how genome organization shapes cell behavior
NSF News
June 24, 2025
NSF invests $25.5M in research to drive new U.S. manufacturing technologies and talent pipelines
Explore biology news
Educational resources
View lesson plans, activities and multimedia for K–12 audiences that focus on explorations of living things.
View the resources
Top