Opportunity Information: Apply for 22 532
Understanding the Rules of Life: Emergent Networks (URoLEN) is a National Science Foundation (NSF) research grant opportunity that sits under NSF's broader set of "Big Ideas" launched in 2016. It is tied specifically to the Big Idea often described as "Understanding the Rules of Life: Predicting Phenotype," which aims to move biology toward stronger predictive power, meaning the ability to explain and anticipate how observable traits and behaviors of living systems arise from interactions among genomes, phenotypes, and changing environments. Even though proposals are submitted through the Division of Emerging Frontiers in the Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO/EF), the program is explicitly cross-directorate, and proposals are handled by a cross-disciplinary team of NSF Program Directors. The intent is to drive convergence research that combines multiple fields in a deeply integrated way rather than running parallel disciplinary efforts under one umbrella.
URoLEN focuses on "emergent networks," meaning networks whose system-level behaviors and properties are not obvious from the parts alone, but instead arise from interactions among components. In this program, those components can include organisms, ecosystems, Earth systems, social systems, and human-engineered systems, especially as they interact under evolving environmental conditions. The central scientific goal is to develop new theories and reliable predictions about how complex living systems behave when environments change, and how networks that include biological and non-biological elements respond to those changes or influence them. In addition to predicting outcomes, projects may also aim to design "engineerable" interventions or technologies grounded in a proposed rule of life, as long as the work remains fundamentally oriented and contributes to a deeper understanding of underlying principles rather than being narrowly applied development.
A competitive URoLEN proposal is expected to do several key things. First, it must clearly identify the specific "rule(s) of life" that the project is trying to discover, test, refine, or apply. This is essentially the organizing principle of the research, framed in a way that can support explanation and prediction across conditions or scales. Second, it must present a compelling convergent research plan with deep integration across disciplines, which means the disciplines are interdependent in the research design (for example, combining theory, computation, experimentation, and field observation in a way that each piece shapes and validates the others). Third, the approach must be basic or fundamental research, aimed at generating new understanding of emergent network interactions among organisms and Earth, human, natural, and/or engineered systems in changing environments. NSF signals that projects spanning different scientific areas and engaging multiple NSF Directorates are strongly encouraged, reflecting the program's emphasis on cross-cutting questions that cannot be solved within a single field.
The solicitation also highlights education, training, and broader impacts as a natural fit for this kind of convergence work. URoLEN encourages projects to build in STEM education and outreach components that help train researchers and students to work across disciplinary boundaries. Examples of encouraged elements include providing convergent training opportunities (such as cross-disciplinary mentorship, team-based training structures, or curriculum elements that blend methods), developing novel teaching modules, engaging the public or stakeholders where appropriate, and broadening participation of groups that have been historically underrepresented in science. While these components support NSF's broader mission, they are positioned here as especially relevant because emergent-network science often benefits from diverse perspectives, varied skill sets, and strong connections between research and societal contexts.
In terms of funding and structure, URoLEN is a discretionary NSF grant program (Funding Opportunity Number 22-532) within NSF's science and engineering research portfolio, associated with multiple CFDA numbers across NSF directorates. The program anticipates making around 10 awards. Individual projects can request a total budget of up to $3,000,000 with an award duration of up to 5 years. The original closing date listed for the referenced solicitation was March 1, 2022, and the opportunity was created on December 2, 2021. Eligibility is listed as "Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification)," indicating that applicants need to consult the full solicitation language for the precise eligible organization types and any restrictions or partnership expectations.
Overall, URoLEN is designed for teams that want to tackle big, foundational questions about how living systems and their coupled natural, social, and engineered networks produce predictable outcomes under environmental change, and to do so through tightly integrated, cross-disciplinary science that can generate generalizable rules, not just case-specific observations.Apply for 22 532
- The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Understanding the Rules of Life: Emergent Networks" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.041, 47.049, 47.050, 47.070, 47.074, 47.075, 47.076, 47.079, 47.083.
- This funding opportunity was created on Dec 02, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 01, 2022. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
URoLEN (Understanding the Rules of Life: Emergent Networks) - FAQs
What is the URoLEN grant opportunity?
Understanding the Rules of Life: Emergent Networks (URoLEN) is a National Science Foundation (NSF) research grant opportunity focused on discovery-driven biology that improves the ability to explain and predict how living systems behave. It sits within NSF's broader "Big Ideas" framework and is tied to the Big Idea often described as "Understanding the Rules of Life: Predicting Phenotype."
How does URoLEN relate to NSF's "Big Ideas" and "Predicting Phenotype"?
URoLEN is part of NSF's set of "Big Ideas" launched in 2016 and aligns with the initiative aimed at moving biology toward stronger predictive power. The emphasis is on linking genomes, phenotypes, and changing environments so researchers can anticipate how observable traits and behaviors arise and change.
What does URoLEN mean by "emergent networks"?
In URoLEN, "emergent networks" are networks where system-level behaviors are not obvious from the individual parts. Instead, important properties emerge from interactions among components. Those components may include organisms, ecosystems, Earth systems, social systems, and human-engineered systems, especially as they interact under evolving environmental conditions.
What kinds of systems and networks can be included in a URoLEN project?
Projects can involve biological networks and their coupling to non-biological systems. The solicitation describes networks that can include organisms and ecosystems, Earth systems, social systems, and engineered systems, particularly when these systems interact with each other under environmental change.
What is the main scientific goal of URoLEN?
The central goal is to develop new theories and reliable predictions about how complex living systems behave as environments change, and how networks that combine biological and non-biological elements respond to those changes or influence them.
Is URoLEN focused on basic research or applied development?
URoLEN is oriented toward basic (fundamental) research. Projects may include the design of "engineerable" interventions or technologies if they are grounded in a proposed "rule of life" and remain fundamentally focused on advancing understanding of underlying principles rather than narrowly pursuing applied product development.
What does URoLEN mean by a "rule of life"?
A "rule of life" is the organizing principle a project seeks to discover, test, refine, or apply. It should be framed in a way that supports explanation and prediction across conditions or scales, rather than being limited to a single case or context.
What does NSF expect a competitive URoLEN proposal to include?
Based on the opportunity description, competitive proposals are expected to: (1) clearly identify the specific rule(s) of life being investigated; (2) present a convergent research plan with deep integration across disciplines; and (3) pursue fundamental research on emergent network interactions among organisms and Earth, human, natural, and/or engineered systems in changing environments.
What is meant by "convergence research" and "deep integration" in this program?
URoLEN emphasizes convergence research where multiple fields are combined in a deeply integrated way, not simply placed side-by-side. Deep integration means the disciplines are interdependent in the research design (for example, theory, computation, experimentation, and field observation each shaping and validating the others).
Is URoLEN limited to one NSF directorate or scientific discipline?
No. Even though proposals are submitted through the Division of Emerging Frontiers in the Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO/EF), the program is explicitly cross-directorate. It is handled by a cross-disciplinary team of NSF Program Directors, and projects spanning different scientific areas and engaging multiple NSF Directorates are strongly encouraged.
Where are URoLEN proposals submitted within NSF?
Proposals are submitted through NSF's Division of Emerging Frontiers within the Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO/EF), while being reviewed and managed in a cross-directorate, cross-disciplinary structure.
How many awards does URoLEN expect to make?
The program anticipates making around 10 awards.
What is the maximum budget and project duration allowed?
Individual projects can request a total budget of up to $3,000,000, and awards can last up to 5 years.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for URoLEN?
The Funding Opportunity Number is 22-532.
When was this URoLEN opportunity created and what was the listed closing date?
The opportunity was created on December 2, 2021. The original closing date listed in the referenced solicitation was March 1, 2022.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is listed as "Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification)." That means the precise eligible applicant types, restrictions, and any partnership expectations are not fully specified in the summary and must be confirmed in the full solicitation language.
Does URoLEN encourage education, training, or outreach components?
Yes. The solicitation highlights education, training, and broader impacts as a natural fit for convergence work. URoLEN encourages projects to include STEM education and outreach elements that help train researchers and students to work across disciplinary boundaries.
What kinds of training or broader impact activities are encouraged?
Examples described as encouraged include convergent training opportunities (such as cross-disciplinary mentorship, team-based training structures, or curriculum elements that blend methods), developing novel teaching modules, public or stakeholder engagement where appropriate, and broadening participation of groups historically underrepresented in science.
Why does URoLEN emphasize diverse and cross-disciplinary participation?
The program positions diverse perspectives, varied skill sets, and strong connections between research and societal contexts as especially valuable for emergent-network science, which often benefits from teams that can integrate methods and viewpoints across fields.
What type of research topics seem best aligned with URoLEN?
Topics best aligned are those that tackle foundational questions about how living systems and their coupled natural, social, and engineered networks produce predictable outcomes under environmental change, with the aim of generating generalizable rules rather than only case-specific findings.
Does URoLEN support work that includes non-biological elements like engineered or social systems?
Yes. The program explicitly allows networks to include social systems and human-engineered systems, particularly where these interact with biological and environmental components under changing conditions.
Is URoLEN associated with multiple CFDA numbers?
Yes. URoLEN is described as being associated with multiple CFDA numbers across NSF directorates, reflecting its cross-directorate nature.
Is this a discretionary NSF program?
Yes. URoLEN is described as a discretionary NSF grant program within NSF's science and engineering research portfolio.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: Democracy Commission Small Grants Program
Previous opportunity: Grants to Support New Investigators in Conducting Research Related to Preventing Interpersonal Violence Impacting Children and Youth
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for 22 532
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (22 532) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Addressing Systems Challenges through Engineering Teams Apply for 22 534 Funding Number: 22 534 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| NSF/CASIS Collaboration on Tissue Engineering and Mechanobiology on the International Space Station (ISS) to Benefit Life on Earth Apply for 22 535 Funding Number: 22 535 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Geospace Environment Modeling Apply for 22 537 Funding Number: 22 537 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Field Initiated Projects Program: Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) - Development Apply for HHS 2022 ACL NIDILRR IFST 0011 Funding Number: HHS 2022 ACL NIDILRR IFST 0011 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Field Initiated Projects Program: Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) -Research Apply for HHS 2022 ACL NIDILRR IFST 0010 Funding Number: HHS 2022 ACL NIDILRR IFST 0010 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| FY 2022 SBIR/STTR Phase I Release 2 Apply for DE FOA 0002555 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002555 Agency: Department of Energy - Office of Science, Office of Science Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Scientific Discovery Through Advanced Computing (SciDAC): Partnership in Nuclear Energy Apply for DE FOA 0002592 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002592 Agency: Department of Energy - Office of Science, Office of Science Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,350,000 |
| NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase III Apply for 80HQTR22NOA01 22NIAC A3 Funding Number: 80HQTR22NOA01 22NIAC A3 Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NSF Convergence Accelerator 2022 Joint NSF/DOD Phases 1 and 2 for Track G: Securely Operating Through 5G Infrastructure Apply for 22 538 Funding Number: 22 538 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Switzer Research Fellowships Program Apply for HHS 2022 ACL NIDILRR SFGE 0018 Funding Number: HHS 2022 ACL NIDILRR SFGE 0018 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $80,000 |
| Ensuring Research Integrity - Research, Development, and Demonstration Apply for IR ORI 22 001 Funding Number: IR ORI 22 001 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Ensuring Research Integrity - Conferences Apply for IR ORI 22 002 Funding Number: IR ORI 22 002 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Hydrologic Sciences (HS) Apply for 22 540 Funding Number: 22 540 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Leading Culture Change Through Professional Societies of Biology Apply for 22 542 Funding Number: 22 542 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Long-Term Ecological Research Apply for 22 543 Funding Number: 22 543 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Hispanic-Serving Institutions Apply for 22 545 Funding Number: 22 545 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Cooperative Studies of the Earth's Deep Interior Apply for 22 547 Funding Number: 22 547 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Partnerships for International Research and Education Apply for 22 546 Funding Number: 22 546 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Scholarships in STEM Network Apply for 22 544 Funding Number: 22 544 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $15,000,000 |
| Funding Opportunity Announcement of Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program Apply for W911NF 22 S 0003 Funding Number: W911NF 22 S 0003 Agency: Department of Defense, Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "22 532", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.