DOE Systems Biology Research to Advance Bioenergy Crop Production

FUNDING PROGRAM: DOE Systems Biology Research to Advance Bioenergy Crop Production.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: DE-FOA-0003453.

FUNDING AGENCIES: United States Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science.

OPPORTUNITY:

The DOE SC program in Biological and Environmental Research (BER) announces it is receiving applications for research within the Biological Systems Science Division’s (BSSD) Genomic Science Program (GSP) (https://genomicscience.energy.gov) mission-space. In this NOFO, applications are requested for:

• Systems-level research to improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying bioenergy feedstock productivity under changing and at times suboptimal environmental conditions.
• Systems biology-enabled investigations into the role(s) of microbes and microbial communities (including rhizosphere consortia, e.g. bacteria, fungi, diazotrophs, endophytes, viruses) in supporting plant productivity and vigor are also solicited.

DESCRIPTION:

Applications are solicited for systems biology-driven basic research on the fundamental principles of bioenergy crop production in relationship to the associated environmental context. Species of interest include but are not limited to candidate bioenergy plants (e.g., sorghum, energy cane, miscanthus, switchgrass, populus) and non-food oilseed crops (e.g., Camelina). Proposed projects should be hypothesis-driven and focus on understanding productivity and the effects of abiotic stresses and nutrient availability. Such deep understanding will enable the development of bioenergy crops that are tolerant to environmental stressors, require less agronomic inputs, and are resilient and/or adaptable to varying environmental conditions.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: 

All types of domestic applicants are eligible to apply, except nonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995.

COST SHARING: None.

FUNDING AVAILABLE:

• FUNDING AVAILABILITY: Up to $75 million. Expected award project period up to five (5) years.
• INDIVIDUAL AWARD AMOUNTS: Award Ceiling-$15 million; Award floor-$5 million. Approximately $1,000,000 – $3,000,000 per year. The maximum allowable budget per year is $3,000,000 independent of the proposed project period.

APPLICATION WINDOW:

• Submission Deadline for Pre-Applications: January 17, 2025,
• Submission Deadline for Applications: March 26, 2025.