Biomedical Research Initiative for Next-Gen BioTechnologies - SynBio Control (BRING SynBio)

The BRING-SynBio Control solicitation is a joint program between the National Science Foundation Directorate for Engineering (NSF/ENG) and the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIH/NIBIB). The program aims to accelerate the translation of novel fundamental synthetic and engineering biology advances to early-stage biomedical technologies through interagency collaboration. Projects must include a two-phased plan: Phase I focuses on proof of principle synthetic and engineering biology research supported by NSF, while Phase II supports exploratory research to translate findings toward biomedical technologies funded by NIH. The solicitation specifically focuses on the use of biological control theory in the design and characterization of new synthetic biological tools and parts, including gene circuit designs, modular designs, feedback control strategies, and synthetic gene regulatory networks. Successful completion of Phase I milestones will be administratively evaluated by NIH/NIBIB to determine eligibility to transition to Phase II. This transition is neither automatic nor guaranteed. Projects must address both phases and incorporate biological control theory to be considered responsive to this solicitation.