If your research is primarily “medical” in nature, the National Institutes of Health
(NIH) will likely be your primary agency of support. The National Science Foundation
(NSF) does not fund clinical research or research aimed at addressing specific diseases.
Likewise, animal testing, or research or testing on the development of drugs is not
eligible for NSF support. However, NSF does fund basic science and engineering research
that may ultimately have medical applications. Biomedical engineering work is also
funded by NSF. Additional guidance can be found at the NIH and NSF websites. If in
doubt about the appropriateness of fit between your research and an agency's mission,
always contact a program officer for guidance prior to submission.