The NSF Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems (CBET) supports transformative research that advances fundamental understanding of chemical and biological processes, biotransformations, physiological systems, transport phenomena, environmental sustainability, and advanced energy systems. As one of the most interdisciplinary divisions within the NSF Engineering Directorate, CBET funds foundational discoveries that drive innovations across biotechnology, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, biomedical systems, and clean-energy technologies. 

CBET’s programs span a broad scientific landscape, including catalysis and chemical reaction engineering, molecular and cellular biosystems, tissue engineering and mechanobiology, process systems and controls, environmental engineering and sustainability, thermal transport, fluid dynamics, energy conversion and storage, and engineering biology. The division emphasizes research that deepens mechanistic understanding while enabling scalable, societally relevant solutions. Many CBET projects underpin critical advances in areas such as biomanufacturing, carbon capture, water purification, metabolic engineering, bioinspired materials, renewable fuels, and health-related diagnostics and therapeutics. 

CBET’s funding structure typically includes core unsolicited programs, topical solicitations, and cross-cutting initiatives aligned with national priorities—such as the Bioeconomy Initiative, Sustainable Chemistry programs, Clean Energy Transition, and Engineering Research Initiatives. Proposals must clearly articulate intellectual merit, methodological rigor, engineering innovation, and broader impacts, including education, workforce development, community engagement, or environmental sustainability. 

Eligibility follows standard NSF guidelines: applicants must be affiliated with an eligible U.S. institution, including universities, nonprofit research organizations, and qualified small businesses. International collaborators may participate through subawards or parallel support but cannot serve as primary awardees. Competitive proposals typically demonstrate integrative engineering approaches, strong preliminary data when applicable, and a clear pathway toward advancing both fundamental knowledge and societal benefit. 

CBET reviewers evaluate proposals based on how effectively they bridge fundamental science with engineering applications, especially when the work enables new capabilities, addresses national needs, or establishes foundational knowledge for emerging technologies. 

ScienceDocs Can Help 

ScienceDocs supports CBET investigators with experimental design framing, engineering innovation narratives, broader impacts planning, and full proposal package preparation to maximize competitiveness. 
Begin your proposal at https://www.sciencedocs.com/quotes/