The primary mission of the NIGMS-supported National Centers for Systems Biology is to promote pioneering research, research training, education and outreach programs focused on systems-level inquiries of biomedical phenomena within the NIGMS mission. The centers are expected to establish themselves as recognized leaders of research and education in systems biology. To learn more about the centers’ activities, visit the National Centers for Systems Biology Portal 
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For the purposes of this program, NIGMS views "systems biology" as a conceptual framework for the analysis of complex biological systems. Such systems derive from interactions among many distinct components in varying contexts. These systems exhibit properties, such as nonlinear dynamics and emergent behavior, that cannot easily be inferred from studies of components in isolation. Systems biology relies on mathematical methods and computational models to generate hypotheses and to design new experiments. Iteration between theory and experiment is crucial. The quantity and quality of data required for these approaches often challenge current technologies, and the development of new technologies and cross-disciplinary collaborations may be required. When applied to human health, systems biology can be a powerful tool to test hypotheses relevant to health and disease, particularly the results of therapeutic interventions.
The current funding opportunity announcement is PAR-12-187.