NSF: Interdisciplinary Training for Undergraduates in Biological and Mathematical Sciences (UBM)
February 22, 2006
Dear Colleagues,
An updated program solicitation is now available:
Interdisciplinary Training for Undergraduates in Biological and Mathematical Sciences (UBM)
Please see
http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf06541
Full Proposal Deadline: May 18, 2006
------------------------------
Synopsis of Program:
The goal of the Undergraduate Biology and Mathematics (UBM) activity is to enhance undergraduate education and training at the intersection of the biological and mathematical sciences and to better prepare undergraduate biology or mathematics students to pursue graduate study and careers in fields that integrate the mathematical and biological sciences. The core of the activity is long-term research experiences for interdisciplinarily balanced teams of at least four undergraduates. Projects should focus on research at the intersection of the mathematical and biological sciences.
Projects should provide students exposure to contemporary mathematics and biology, addressed with modern research tools and methods. That is, projects must be genuine research experiences rather than rehearsals of research methods. Projects must involve students from both areas in collaborative research experiences and include joint mentorship by faculty in both fields.
In addition, it is expected that projects will strengthen the research and education capacity, infrastructure, and culture of the participating institutions. To this end, projects should create models for education in the mathematical and biological sciences and influence the direction of academic programs for a broad range of students. UBM is a joint effort of the Education and Human Resources (EHR), Biological Sciences (BIO), and Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) Directorates at the National Science Foundation.
------------------------------
This revision:
1. Provides additional guidance on information that should be included in the project description.
2. Requests that projects be designated as one of two categories: 5-year duration, large scope projects that involve institutional curricular change, or 3-year duration, small scope projects that focus on student mentoring and research experiences.
3. Provides additional guidance on budget for each scope of project.
