Understanding the Rules of Life: Epigenetics (NSF 18-600) invites proposals which investigate heritable biological or chemical mechanisms that produce a phenotypic effect without alteration of the DNA sequence. Projects must integrate education perspectives and research approaches from more than one research discipline (e.g., biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geology, mathematics, physics, social and behavioral sciences) to understand epigenetic mechanisms associated with environmental change, the resultant phenotypic characteristics of organisms, and the resultant robustness and adaptability of organisms and populations. Studies that cross multiple levels of organizational complexity (molecular, cellular, physiological, organismal, population) and temporal (including evolutionary) scales, and taxa within the tree of life – both unicellular and multicellular organisms, including humans -- are particularly encouraged.
Full proposals are due February 1, 2019 and can be submitted in one of two submission tracks:
- award duration of up to 3 years and a total budget of $500,000 or
- award duration of up to 5 years and a total budget of $3,000,000.
The specifics of the program priorities and areas of emphasis, as well as additional limitations and guidelines, can be found in the full solicitation.