Evolutionary Processes Cluster
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The Evolutionary Processes Cluster supports research on micro- and macroevolutionary processes and their consequences. Those processes include: natural selection, mutation, gene flow, recombination, genetic drift, assortative mating acting within species, speciation, and long-term features of evolution. These investigations attempt to explain causes and consequences of genetically-based change in the properties of groups of organisms (at the population level or higher) over the course of generations as well as large-scale patterns of evolutionary change, phylogeography, origin and maintenance of genetic variation, and molecular signatures of evolution at the population or species level. The cluster seeks to fund projects that will challenge the conceptual bases of evolutionary biology and have broad implications for future research. We encourage both empirical and theoretical approaches. The Cluster comprises two programs, Evolutionary Genetics and Evolutionary Ecology.
The Evolutionary Genetics Program supports research that investigates how micro- and macroevolutionary processes are determined by and result in changes to genotypes and phenotypes. Appropriate topics of investigation include (but are not limited to) population and quantitative genetic examination of the processes responsible for the evolution of complex phenotypes; processes maintaining genetic variation; how the properties of genes (number, arrangement, and pattern) and their interactions influence evolutionary processes; and the processes responsible for the evolution of genetic architecture.
The Evolutionary Ecology Program supports research that investigates how micro- and macroevolutionary processes are determined by and result in changes to ecological interactions (abiotic, intraspecific and interspecific). Appropriate topics of investigation include (but are not limited to) selection imposed by abiotic or biotic environments and their evolutionary responses; life-history evolution; the evolution of interspecific relations (predator-prey, competition, cooperation, mutualism, parasitism, symbiosis); the evolution of biodiversity (including phylogeography); dynamics of natural and sexual selection; and the evolutionary processes driving community assembly.
The Cluster funds proposals submitted in response to the CAREER, RCN, LTREB and OPUS solicitations. The Cluster also funds conference and workshop proposals, requests for supplemental funding, and RAPID or EAGER applications, all of which should be submitted after consulting a Program Officer, following the standard guidelines directly in response to the GPG.
NOTE: Other programs in the Biological Sciences Directorate support research on evolutionary patterns and processes. The following guidelines may help you find the most appropriate program for your research interests. Proposals addressing molecular genetic mechanisms or the structure, maintenance, expression, transfer, and stability of genetic information in DNA, RNA, chromosomes, and proteins and how those processes are regulated and evolve are considered by the Genetic Mechanisms Cluster (Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences). Proposals addressing the genetic bases of traits, or among-species comparisons of behavioral, physiological or developmental systems that look at outcomes of evolution alone or in addition to the evolutionary processes that gave rise to those outcomes are covered by programs in the Division of Integrative Organismal Systems. We recognize that research topics may cross disciplinary and administrative boundaries; the Evolutionary Processes Cluster frequently co-reviews projects with each of these and other programs. Program Officers stand ready to answer more specific questions about the best program for your particular research plans.
Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program
Long Term Research in Environmental Biology
Opportunities for Promoting Understanding through Synthesis
Division of Environmental Biology (Core Programs) Solicitation
What Has Been Funded (Recent Awards Made Through This Program, with Abstracts)
Map of Recent Awards Made Through This Program
Frontiers in Population Biology - a workshop report
Frontiers in Evolutionary Biology - a workshop report
THIS PROGRAM IS PART OF
DEB Cluster Descriptions