NSF: Instrument Development for Biological Research (IDBR)

Deadline: October 5, 2005

The Instrument Development for Biological Research (IDBR) Program supports the development of novel or of substantially improved instrumentation likely to have a significant impact on the study of
biological systems at any level. The development of new, or substantial improvement of existing, software for the operation of instruments, analysis of data, or the analysis of images is also
supported where these have the effect of improving instrument performance. Proposals aimed at concept or proof-of-concept development for entirely novel instrumentation are encouraged. Support for the conduct of eligible activities in academic environments is emphasized.

For over 20 years, the Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) has supported the development and improvement of instrumentation useful in the conduct of basic research in biology through awards made by its Instrument Development in Biological Research (IDBR) program. Such instrumentation includes, but is not limited to, analytical instruments, microscopes of various types, sensors, and related devices for detection or measurement of biological molecules, structures or phenomena at any level, from that of individual molecules to that of whole ecosystems. To be eligible for support
through IDBR, projects should aim at providing instruments with new or enhanced performance. "Performance" includes: accuracy, precision,  resolution, throughput, flexibility or breadth of application, cost of  construction or operation, and user-friendliness. In general, projects
whose aim is the combination of individual pieces of equipment are not considered to be instrument development unless there is a significant  challenge in achieving the combination.   The development of new instrumentation provides an ideal opportunity for the training of students in multiple disciplines.
Therefore, the IDBR program expects that most projects it supports will include provisions for the training or education of  undergraduate, graduate and/or postdoctoral students. Therefore, in
the selection of projects for support, the program emphasizes projects that will be conducted in academic environments.  The program does not support research or technique development
activities, except to the extent these are required as part of the development of the new or improved instrument, or for the demonstration of its utility. Projects emphasizing the development of
new research techniques should be addressed to an appropriate research program. The anticipated uses of the instrumentation to be developed or improved should include areas of research that fall within the scope of the Directorate for Biological Sciences (see BIO Home Page at http://www.nsf.gov/bio).
Instrument Development for Biological Research (IDBR) Program Solicitation NSF 05-536
Replaces Document NSF 98-119.