Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Science Foundation's Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences has awarded $463,037 to Stony Brook University (through The Research Foundation for the State University of New York) under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) for a collaborative research project spanning July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. This Project Grant supports the development of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven computational modeling approaches to simulate large macromolecular systems at physiologically relevant timescales. The research will generate energy landscapes for macromolecular systems, develop and implement AI-based modeling protocols using reinforcement learning methodologies, and apply these innovations to study protein assembly mechanisms—specifically examining how crystallin proteins assemble into functional lens structures rather than amorphous aggregates. The work combines structure-based molecular interaction modeling with theoretical foundations of reinforcement learning and experimental protein aggregation studies to address a grand challenge in structural biology.

The intellectual deliverables include advanced simulation methodologies applicable to understanding biological self-assembly processes in crowded cellular environments, with direct implications for biotechnology applications including the design and production of biological materials for industrial and medical use. The project incorporates substantial educational components, providing graduate and undergraduate students with training in AI applications to molecular biology problems. As part of NSF's core Biological Sciences program supporting fundamental research, this award advances scientific knowledge while simultaneously expanding workforce development in the emerging intersection of artificial intelligence and biological sciences.