Designing Synthetic Cells Beyond the Bounds of Evolution

The U.S. National Science Foundation is seeking proposals for research that develops cell-like systems, designs synthetically-modified cells, and leverages basic research in cell design for innovative biotechnology applications. The goal of this solicitation is to support research that explores the minimal requirements for life, addresses fundamental questions in the evolution of life, and builds novel synthetic cell-like systems. Proposals should address social, ethical, and safety issues associated with designing and building synthetically modified cells. Key aspects of the solicitation include: • Developing cell-like systems to identify the minimal requirements for life • Designing synthetically-modified cells to address fundamental questions in the evolution of life • Leveraging basic research in cell design for innovative biotechnology applications • Addressing social, ethical, and safety issues associated with designing and building synthetically modified cells