Funding Opportunity of Up to $1.6 Million for NSF Tissue Engineering Research on the ISS

Up to $1.6 Million Available for NSF Tissue Engineering Research

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has opened its funding solicitation for the eighth straight year, offering substantial financial support for projects that capitalize on the capabilities of the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory to propel research in tissue engineering and mechanobiology. The total funding pool amounts to an impressive $1.6 million for multiple competing projects aimed at pioneering developments in these vital scientific fields.

Understanding Microgravity's Impact

Research in microgravity presents unique opportunities due to the altered gene expressions and cellular behaviors in organisms, including bacteria and humans. This research environment fosters changes that impact cellular functions and the aggregation of cells in three-dimensional structures. By engaging in space-based research, scientists can model both healthy and diseased tissues, enhance understanding of disease mechanisms, and refine approaches to regenerative medicine and bioengineering.

Such investigations have the potential to reshape the landscape of biomedical sciences dramatically, providing insights that could lead to significant advancements in disease diagnosis, treatment, and tissue regeneration technologies.

A Focus on Fundamental Science

At the core of the ISS National Lab's mission is the advancement of fundamental science. The knowledge generated through these pioneering studies is not merely theoretical; it holds practical implications for future technology and research initiatives that aim to benefit both national interests and the broader scientific community. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™ (CASIS®), which oversees the ISS National Lab, has forged strong partnerships with various government entities, including NSF, to fund essential research projects on this unique orbital platform.

Through this sustained investment in transformative research, NSF aims to bolster the U.S. economy, enhance national security, and uphold America’s standing as a leader in global innovation.

Recent Success Stories

One notable project, funded by a prior NSF solicitation, recently reached a significant milestone by launching aboard SpaceX’s 31st Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) mission to NASA. This investigation, a joint effort between Oregon State University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, is employing 3D-bioprinted cardiac organoids to analyze the impact of microgravity on heart muscle cell atrophy. Understanding this atrophy can have wide-ranging implications for various medical conditions, including heart failure, cancer, diabetes, and muscular dystrophy, highlighting the urgency of this research.

Application Process

The current solicitation involves a two-step proposal process. Interested researchers are required to submit a Feasibility Review Form by January 15, 2025, allowing evaluators to assess the operational feasibility of their concepts. Only those concepts that pass the feasibility assessment will be invited to proceed with a full proposal submission, which is due by March 18, 2025.

For more details regarding this solicitation (NSF 25-513) and guidance on the proposal process, interested parties can visit the ISS National Lab solicitation webpage and the NSF solicitation page. Such opportunities underscore the advantages of conducting research in the ISS National Lab and the immense possibilities it holds for advancing science in space.

The ISS National Laboratory functions as a custodian for scientific exploration, available for use by various entities, including government agencies, academic institutions, and private sector researchers. By leveraging the unique conditions in low Earth orbit, this extraordinary laboratory aims to drive innovations and improve life on Earth.

As a nonprofit organization, CASIS encourages both corporate and individual contributions to facilitate ongoing research and advancements in space science for humanity's benefit. Learn more about how you can support these initiatives by visiting the donations page.