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) that aims to accelerate the translation of novel fundamental synthetic and engineering biology advances to early-stage biomedical technologies through interagency collaboration. The program focuses on the use of biological control theory in the design and characterization of new synthetic biological tools and parts and their downstream application to technology development in the biomedical field. Projects responsive to BRING-SynBio include a two-phased plan to pursue proof of principle synthetic and engineering biology research (Phase I) and exploratory research to translate findings toward biomedical technologies (Phase II). NSF will provide support for fundamental research activity in Phase I, which spans two years. NIH will provide support for exploratory biomedical engineering technology development in Phase II, also spanning two years. The transition from Phase I to Phase II is not automatic and requires successful completion of Phase I milestones as assessed by NIH/NIBIB. Potential areas of interest include novel design principles for characterization and design of new synthetic biology tools and parts, such as gene circuit designs that enhance robustness, reliability, predictability, and tuneability; modular designs for tools and parts that result in predictable network outcomes; and new strategies to improve upon size limitations of gene circuit designs. The program also supports regulation and control of biological processes in cells/tissues, including synthetic gene regulatory networks for controlled modulation of gene expression and dynamic noise filtering, and design of synthetic circuits that incorporate novel feedback control strategies. Proposals must address both phases to be considered complete and eligible for review. Projects that address only one of the phases, do not pursue advances in synthetic biology that incorporate biological control theory, or do not address a challenge with clear relevance to the mission of NIBIB are non-responsive and will be returned without review. Clinical Trials are not supported by this activity.