Engineering Biological and Biomedical Systems (EBBS) Research Program

The Engineering Biological and Biomedical Systems (EBBS) program aims to expand our understanding of biological and physiological systems to improve human health and advance U.S. leadership in biotechnology. This program supports research into the engineering of biology at every scale, from sensing biomarkers to restoring bodily functions. It combines fundamental mechanistic insights with experimental and computational techniques to develop platforms, devices, organisms, tissues, and processes that enhance understanding and control of biological functions. EBBS supports studies of mechanisms driving microbial populations and cells, as well as therapeutic cells and tissues. It focuses on discovering underlying engineering principles for capturing biological system and bioreactor responses, creating novel biosensing platforms, and developing new optical imaging and modulation strategies. Research enabling the design of biological systems to sense and respond to stimuli, gain insight into tissue changes or injury, and imitate or restore organ functions is encouraged. Projects advancing rehabilitation engineering through new theories and approaches are also supported, particularly those driven by the needs of persons with disabilities. The program supports advancements in biomanufacturing, biotechnology, and health. Research must enable improved biological processes, create novel biomedical technologies, or achieve new understanding of physiological or pathological processes. The EBBS program does not support proposals primarily focused on drug design, drug delivery, or the development of animal models of disease, though using existing models for experimental testing and validation is acceptable. Clinical trials are not supported, but limited studies involving human volunteers may be supported if appropriate to project objectives. Projects focused on commercialization are better suited for the NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP).