NSF Dear Colleague Letter: Conferences for Building Computational Literacy in Biological Sciences

The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) (NSF 20-074) seeks to highlight the importance of computational thinking in biology and STEM education. This activity is a part of NSF’s contribution to the Office of Science and Technology Policy’s (OSTP) 2018 report “Chartering a Course for Success: America’s Strategy for STEM Education”. The report includes several recommendations, including the one highlighted in this letter: building computational literacy.

The OSTP report represents the Federal Government’s five-year strategic plan for STEM education, based on a vision for a future where all Americans will have lifelong access to high-quality STEM education and the United States will be the global leader in STEM literacy, innovation, and employment.

Proposals budgets should be well-justified for the scope of the proposed activities but should be less than $100,000 for one- or two- year award duration. These conference proposals can be submitted at any time. Please contact the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs for assistance.