The National Science Foundation (NSF) has requested that ASM bring to the attention of interested members the following program announcement: Dimensions of Biodiversity Full Proposal Target Date(s): Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time): April 10, 2012 URL: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12528/nsf12528.htm?WT.mc_id=USNSF_25&WT.... Synopsis of Program: Despite centuries of discovery, most of our planet's biodiversity remains unknown. The scale of the unknown diversity on Earth is especially troubling given the rapid and permanent loss of biodiversity across the globe. With this loss, humanity is losing links in the web of life that provide ecosystem services, forfeiting an understanding of the history and future of the living world, and losing opportunities for future beneficial discoveries in the domains of food, fiber, fuel, pharmaceuticals, and bio-inspired innovation. The goal of the Dimensions of Biodiversity campaign is to transform, by 2020, how we describe and understand the scope and role of life on Earth. The campaign promotes novel, integrated approaches to identify and understand the evolutionary and ecological significance of biodiversity amidst the changing environment of the present day and in the geologic past. Revision Summary: Program partnerships: Beginning in 2012, the São Paulo State Research Foundation (FAPESP) of Brazil will be participating in the Dimensions of Biodiversity program. The special US-São Paulo Collaborative partnerships will be continuing for at least ten years. Beginning in 2012, the partnership with NSF-China will be expanded to include research proposals as well as International Research Coordination Network proposals. No NASA funds will be used for any participation, collaboration, or coordination with China or any Chinese-owned company in any aspect of this program. Award Information: Anticipated Type of Award: Standard Grant or Continuing Grant Estimated Number of Awards: 10 Awards are contingent on availability of funds and the quality of proposals. Anticipated Funding Amount: $15,000,000 to $24,000,000 For further information: Matt Kane, BIO/DEB, telephone: (703) 292-7186, email: Dimensions@nsf.gov