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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NSF Mathematical Biology Program (PD 09 7334)

1) What is the NSF Mathematical Biology program (PD 09 7334)?

It is a discretionary National Science Foundation (NSF) grant opportunity housed in NSF's Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences directorate. Its goal is to fund research that advances applied and computational mathematics in ways that meaningfully impact the biological sciences.

2) What kind of work is the program trying to fund?

The program is focused on mathematically innovative research that tackles biological questions the biology community genuinely cares about. Competitive projects are expected to contribute new mathematical ideas, frameworks, or computational approaches, and to use those advances to engage difficult, real biological problems rather than routine or straightforward applications.

3) Is this program simply about applying math to biology?

No. The central theme is not just "math applied to biology." NSF is looking for mathematics-forward work where the mathematical contribution is substantial, novel, and pushes the field forward, while remaining tightly connected to important biological questions.

4) What does NSF mean by "mathematically innovative" in this context?

Based on the provided description, it means the proposal should develop new mathematical ideas, frameworks, or computational approaches, not merely use established or standard techniques. The project should show clear mathematical novelty and explain how that novelty helps address a challenging biological question.

5) What proposals are typically not a good fit for DMS disciplinary programs?

Proposals that primarily use established mathematical, statistical, or computational tools to address biological questions are typically not a good fit for the DMS disciplinary programs. Even if the biological application is interesting, DMS is looking for mathematical novelty rather than straightforward deployment of existing methods.

6) Where should I submit if my project relies heavily on a specific math area (like topology, probability, statistics, or computation)?

If a project draws heavily on mathematical areas traditionally handled by other DMS disciplinary programs (examples mentioned include topology, probability, statistics, or computation), it should generally be submitted directly to the relevant disciplinary program. This is intended to ensure the proposal is reviewed by the right experts and on the right timeline.

7) If I submit to a DMS disciplinary program, can Mathematical Biology still be involved?

Yes. Even when submitted to a disciplinary program, the Mathematical Biology program can still be involved through co-review. Proposers can list Mathematical Biology as a secondary program to support cross-cutting work bridging mathematical innovation and biological relevance.

8) What is "co-review" and why does it matter for this opportunity?

Co-review is a mechanism where more than one NSF program is involved in reviewing a proposal. Here, it is meant to support genuinely cross-cutting work that sits between core mathematical innovation (often handled in a DMS disciplinary program) and biological relevance (central to Mathematical Biology and potentially BIO directorate programs).

9) Why does NSF emphasize choosing the right program placement for submission?

Because review expertise and timelines can differ across programs. NSF indicates that submitting to the appropriate disciplinary program can help ensure review by the most suitable experts and within the correct review cycle, while still allowing Mathematical Biology involvement via co-review when appropriate.

10) Should investigators contact NSF program officers before submitting?

Yes. NSF strongly encourages early communication with program officers for each relevant program area. This can help applicants choose the best submission path, avoid delays, and make sure the proposal enters the appropriate review cycle.

11) How can timing affect co-review across multiple programs?

Timing matters because a proposal must arrive in time to be included in the review process of all intended programs. If a proposal is submitted too late for co-review, NSF may limit the review to only a subset of programs or may return the proposal without review. Applicants are advised to align submission with the earliest applicable deadline to keep co-review options open.

12) Does the Mathematical Biology program interact with NSF biology programs?

Yes. The program actively interacts with every division in the NSF Directorate for Biological Sciences, and its scope overlaps with many biology programs. NSF frequently seeks joint reviews with programs in the biological sciences, especially for projects combining mathematical innovation with deep biological collaboration, data, or experimental context.

13) When is joint review with biological sciences programs most relevant?

It is especially relevant for projects that blend mathematical innovation with deep biological collaboration, data, or experimental context, and that naturally overlap with programs in the NSF Directorate for Biological Sciences.

14) What should applicants do if they think joint review across math and biology makes sense?

Applicants are encouraged to discuss potential co-review and joint review with program officers on both the mathematics and biology sides. These conversations can help determine whether joint consideration is appropriate and how best to route the proposal.

15) What is the CFDA number and category listed for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 47.049 and is categorized as science and technology research and development.

16) Is cost sharing required?

No. The listing indicates there is no cost sharing requirement.

17) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is indicated as unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to any clarifications in the solicitation text.

18) What are the typical due dates and submission deadline time?

The posted information reflects historical submission windows with due dates typically spanning December 18 through January 13 in multiple cycles. Deadlines are stated as due by 5 p.m. local time for the proposer.

19) Are the posted dates in the record current?

The record shows historical dates, including a posted date of March 6, 2009, and closing dates extending through January 13, 2013 in the provided data. Applicants should treat these as historical timing details as presented in the record.

20) Who should be contacted for access or technical issues related to the announcement?

For access or technical issues related to the announcement, the contact listed is NSF grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.

21) What is the main takeaway for building a competitive proposal under this opportunity description?

Based on the description provided, the strongest alignment is achieved by (1) making the mathematical contribution clearly novel and forward-looking, (2) targeting a hard, meaningful biological question, and (3) coordinating early with relevant NSF program officers to choose the right submission path and preserve co-review or joint review options by meeting the earliest applicable deadline.