# Synthetic Plant Biology

**Funder:** Simons Foundation
**Budget:** Up to $360k/year (including indirect costs)
**Deadline:** 30 July 2026 (12:00 p.m. (noon) Eastern time)
**Duration:** 3 years
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** US
**Official call:** https://www.simonsfoundation.org/grant/synthetic-plant-biology/
**Last verified:** 5 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports exploratory, high-risk research applying engineering principles to plant biology (sensors, genetic modifications, novel tools). Applicants must hold a PhD and a faculty or equivalent PI-eligible position at a US nonprofit, college, university, lab, institute, or government research facility. No preliminary data required. No citizenship requirements for PIs.

## Summary

The Simons Foundation's Synthetic Plant Biology programme supports exploratory, high-risk research that applies engineering principles to plant function, such as sensors, stress tolerance, and genetic modification. Applicants must hold a PhD and a faculty or PI-equivalent position at a US nonprofit college, university, research institute, or eligible federal agency. Preliminary data is not required, and there are no citizenship restrictions for investigators.

## Who should apply

- Faculty or PI-equivalent researchers holding a PhD
- Researchers at US nonprofit colleges, universities, research institutes, or eligible federal agencies
- Scientists working on plant engineering (sensors, stress tolerance, genetic modification)
- Researchers pursuing high-risk, exploratory projects without extensive preliminary data

## Key dates

- Deadline: 30 July 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time
- Single-stage application

## Tips for applicants

- High-risk, exploratory framing is valued, avoid over-specifying technical details if they limit intellectual scope.
- Preliminary data is not required; focus on the conceptual innovation and engineering principles, not preliminary results.

## Frequently asked questions

### What kind of research does the Simons Foundation Synthetic Plant Biology programme fund?

It funds exploratory, high-risk research applying engineering principles to plant function, including sensors, stress tolerance, and genetic modification.

### Who is eligible to apply for the Simons Foundation Synthetic Plant Biology programme?

PhD holders in faculty or PI-equivalent positions at US nonprofit colleges, universities, research institutes, or eligible federal agencies; no citizenship restrictions apply.

### Do I need preliminary data to apply to the Simons Foundation Synthetic Plant Biology programme?

No, preliminary data is not required for this programme.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/simons-foundation-synthetic-plant-biology-2026-07) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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