# Conference: Consolidating Community in Living Materials: Towards an International Conference Series

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · William Marsh Rice University (TX) · $41,644

## Abstract

Over the past two decades, considerable interest has focused on developing engineered living materials (ELMs). This emerging class of materials leverages embedded living cells to achieve functionalities such as self-assembly, self-repair, sensing, manufacturing, and energy generation. ELMs offer potential solutions to issues sometimes associated with conventional materials through (1) manufacture using low-resource/low-waste methods, (2) engineered multifunctionality, and (3) onsite production for reduced transport distances and remote area capability. This approach affords the opportunity to reduce reliance on non-renewable resources and enable resilient infrastructure. Nevertheless, several challenges must be overcome to advance ELMs as a viable alternative to traditional materials, including demonstrating safety, improving longevity, stiffness, and strength, and scaling up manufacturing. To enable the creation of an ELM industry responsive to the Dear Colleague Letter “Funding Opportunities for Engineering Research in Biotechnology” (NSF 24-040), the developmental bottlenecks must be addressed. This will require inputs from experts in synthetic biology, microbiology, materials science, multiple engineering disciplines, as well as the social sciences, architecture, and law. This award will support an ELM Workshop, a unique US-based opportunity for all stakeholder groups to engage in discussion of research needs and translational opportunities. This workshop will solidify th

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2521617
- **Awardee organization:** William Marsh Rice University (TX)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** K51LECU1G8N3
- **PI:** Caroline M Ajo-Franklin
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** WOMEN, MINORITY, DISABLED, NEC, CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOPS
- **Estimated total:** $41,644
- **Funds obligated:** $41,644
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 06/01/2025 → 05/31/2026

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2521617

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2521617, Conference: Consolidating Community in Living Materials: Towards an International Conference Series. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2521617. Licensed CC0.

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