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Supporting the Microbial Sciences at NSF

The microbial sciences encompass the study of microorganisms, ranging from bacteria and fungi to viruses and algae, whose roles are vital to life on Earth. ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿requests Congress to fund the National Science Foundation (NSF) at $9.9 billion for FY2027. The National Science Foundation plays a pivotal role in advancing scientific knowledge and innovation across a broad spectrum of disciplines including microbiology. NSF is a key supporter of microbiology research, including foundational research supporting ecosystems and biodiversity, mapping the microbiome and discovering emerging pathogens. Support for NSF will enable new discoveries and solutions using biotechnology, forecasting and mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events on essential ecosystem services and predicting and preventing the emergence and spread of infectious diseases in plants, animals and humans.

The NSF’s Directorate for Biological Sciences supports research and education that advances understanding of all forms of life at all scales. This includes support for research funding in the microbial sciences, which is essential for understanding both the fundamental biological processes of life and their applications in diverse sectors such as agriculture, biotechnology, health care and environmental science. We ask Congress to continue supporting research on microbial systems within the Directorate to enable breakthroughs in understanding how microbes function, evolve and interact with their environment. Research funded by the NSF has significantly advanced our understanding of how microbes contribute to the nitrogen cycle, a process critical for maintaining soil health and increasing agricultural productivity. For instance, the International Collection of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (INVAM) at the University of Kansas, supported by NSF, is a hub for fungi research with biotechnology applications including boosting nitrogen intake to stimulate plant growth and rebuilding damaged soils. Understanding of the characteristics of organisms through the NSF has a profound positive impact on the key emerging biotechnology industry.

NSF’s Actions to Advance Microbial Biotechnology

NSF’s impact on the microbial sciences extends beyond academic research and into the realm of biotechnology. Microorganisms are used in biotechnology for a variety of applications, including the production of biofuels, biofertilizers and other biobased materials. The NSF has supported numerous projects that have led to the development of novel microbial technologies now translated into practical applications. This includes the creation of the BioFoundries program, which supports user facilities that enable researchers to design, create, test and streamline the development of tools and products to accelerate research to advance the bioeconomy through artificial intelligence and laboratory automation technologies. 

NSF also supports microbial research in the development of bioremediation strategies. Many microorganisms can degrade pollutants in soil and water with the NSF funding research into utilizing these microbes for environmental cleanup. In addition, microbes also have the potential to revolutionize sustainable energy production. NSF supports research into microbial fuel cells, which use microorganisms to convert organic matter into electricity, providing another avenue to diversify America’s energy portfolio. Support for biotechnology research is essential to compiling biological data. Programs at NSF advance the biotechnology field through the generation of biological data. Making the vast amount of biotechnology research data accessible to researchers will accelerate the field and assist with biotechnology transfer from lab to market.

Without investments into microbial biotechnologies, U.S. leadership and competitiveness will decrease on an international scale. The U.S. must ensure global leadership in critical technologies of the future, including biotechnology, through increased research investment at NSF. This will lead to the development of new technologies and innovation.

NSF’s Role in Training the Microbial Science Workforce

A well-trained science and technology workforce at all education levels is necessary to innovate, solve complex problems and secure the nation’s competitiveness in science and technology. This includes programs broadening participation in STEM. We ask that Congress support workforce training and development programs at NSF, including training in bioprocess engineering, biofuel production and biobased materials development. A well-trained biotechnology workforce will stimulate economic growth and revitalize local economies. Programs such as the Research Experiences for Undergraduates, the NSF Innovation Corps, the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the NSF Research Traineeship program are crucial for the training and education of the next generation of STEM talent. As challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, extreme weather events and emerging infectious diseases become more complex, Congress must support microbial sciences research and workforce development at NSF to develop innovative solutions. 

Supporting NSF to Bridge the Gap Between Basic Science and Real-World Solutions

Congress must invest in research to accelerate breakthrough technologies to remain secure and competitive in science. Work by the NSF’s Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) bridges the gap between basic science and real-world applications by transitioning these technologies to the market. This includes supporting innovations that apply microbiological knowledge to areas like biotechnology, environmental sustainability, health technologies and bio-manufacturing. Interdisciplinary collaboration through TIP encourages projects that combine microbiology with areas, such as artificial intelligence, materials science and engineering, to create novel solutions and jobs throughout the country. Congress must continue to support TIP at no expense to the other directorates to support this endeavor.  

We also ask that Congress continue support for the National Science Board at NSF. The National Science Board is the governing body at NSF and advises the U.S. government on science and engineering policy. By shaping NSF's strategic directions, the National Science Board influences NSF’s funding priorities including support for microbiology through broader initiatives in life sciences and emerging technologies. The Board also advocates for federal investments in science, including microbiology, to address national needs and ensure funds are allocated strategically and transparently. Support for the National Science Board is critical to shaping a national science strategy and assisting in groundbreaking innovations.

Conclusion

Our nation’s ability to advance scientific knowledge and innovation will only be possible if Congress funds the National Science Foundation at $9.9 billion for FY2027. For the U.S. to remain a global leader in science and technology, ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿strongly believes that Congress must continue to fund cutting-edge research, including prioritizing microbial sciences research and workforce training at the National Science Foundation.