Description
The Ecological Biology Cluster supports research on natural and managed ecological systems, primarily in terrestrial, wetland, and freshwater habitats. Research areas include experimental, observational, theoretical, and modeling studies on the structure and function of complex associations that focus on biotic components, and the coupling of small-scale systems to each other and to large-scale systems. Projects are encouraged that develop conceptual and synthetic linkages among theoretical, modeling, and empirical approaches; that are conducted at one or more scales of ecological or geographic organization; and that synthesize empirical and theoretical findings into new paradigms. The Ecological Biology Cluster funds research in the following areas.Ecology: Supports studies of community ecology and population interactions at diverse spatial and temporal scales. These include (1) dynamics and processes within particular habitats; (2) food-web structure; (3) landscape patterns and processes; (4) paleoecology; (5) biotic interactions, including mutualism, competition, predation, and parasitism; (6) mechanisms of coexistence and community assembly, (7) co-evolution, and (8) chemical ecology. Ecology particularly encourages studies that reveal causal mechanisms, patterns, and ecological processes or that apply to a wide range of habitats and taxa. Studies focusing on population dynamics of single species should be directed to the Population and Evolutionary Processes Cluster. Long-Term Research in Environmental Biology (LTREB): Focuses on evolutionary or ecological phenomena that require long-term investigation. Awards are designed to provide base funding to help maintain an on-going long-term research project in any area supported by the Division of Environmental Biology (DEB). These awards are not a source of start-up funds to initiate long-term research, nor should they be the main source of extramural support for investigators. LTREB proposals are reviewed by disciplinary panels that have target dates on July 9 and January 9. Visit the LTREB program description page for additional details [http://www.nsf.gov/bio/progdes/ltreb.htm].National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) is an NSF-funded research center located in downtown Santa Barbara, California. The core activities of the center include the development and testing of important ecological ideas and theories using existing data; cutting-edge analysis of ecological information; research on data access and use; promoting the use of sound science in policy and management decisions; investigating sociological issues that pertain to the science of ecology; projects involving the state of California; and education and outreach. Several kinds of activity are supported by the center including Working Groups that convene at NCEAS, Center Fellows (sabbatical visitors), and Postdoctoral Associates. NCEAS solicits proposals in January and August. Proposals may be submitted between these dates under unusual circumstances, after consultation with the Director. Proposals are reviewed by the NCEAS Science Advisory Board, which makes recommendations for support. Visit the NCEAS home page for additional details [http://www.nceas.ucsb.edu].Inter- and multi-disciplinary proposals that fall across traditional programmatic boundaries are welcomed and encouraged. Studies focusing on the ecology of marine organisms should be directed to the Biological Oceanography Program in the Division of Ocean Sciences. Studies focusing on human disease or health are not supported