NSF to Fund Research on Biology and Society

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is giving research awards to address current issues, trends and questions relevant to the impacts of biology on society, and vice versa. "Science and scientists don't operate in isolation," said Paul Farel, program director in NSF's directorate for biological sciences. "Their research can have profound implications for the wider world. This program emphasizes that science is an integral part of our social and cultural context."

Part of the Science and Society Program, the awards will seek to better understand the interactions of the biological sciences with society. For example, scientists will study how definitions and concepts of diversity--ecological diversity and biodiversity--have changed over time. This study will lead to a better understanding of the context and cultural origins of these terms, which should help conservationists resolve disputes among stakeholders.

Read more on the awards at
http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=109629&org=olpa&from=news.