National Centers for Cryoelectron Microscopy (R24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Background
This initiative will support national service centers for molecular structure determination by high resolution cryoelectron microscopy (cryoEM). The centers will provide access to state-of-the-art equipment, technical support, and training for the production and analysis of high-resolution data and offer equal-opportunity nationwide access to services through an open application process.

Grant Details
This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) is for support of National Centers for Cryoelectron Microscopy (CryoEM) that will strengthen research capacity in cryoEM by providing access to and training in advanced cryoEM technologies. Centers will provide economies of scale by concentrating expertise and state-of-the-art equipment and lower the barrier to entry to serve a broad and diverse range of users and institutions. The major objectives of the centers include:
- Provide Specimen and Data Services for collection of high-resolution cryoEM data for user research projects
- Lower the barrier of entry to researchers with no cryoEM experience by providing Screening Services that enable specimen preparation and screening to produce data-collection-ready samples
- Increase the number of well-trained cryoEM practitioners by providing User Training in the theory and practice of cryoEM.
The program will support up to three established service centers to provide nationwide access to cryoEM technology and increase the number of researchers with cryoEM expertise. Each center must have, at a single institutional site, at least four state-of-the-art 300kV cryoEM microscopes equipped with direct electron detectors for high resolution data collection, and at least one cryoEM microscope for specimen screening. They should already have in place all other necessary instrumentation and physical infrastructure, as well as computational resources, web-based informational and user access tools, and a proposal application and review system.

Eligibility Requirements
Only institutions operating a cryoEM center with all microscopes at a single site may apply. The currently operating center must include a minimum of four 300keV high-resolution cryoelectron microscopes for data collection purposes, each equipped with direct electron detectors, and a minimum of one lower resolution microscope appropriate for initial specimen assessment prior to data collection. 100% of the time on the microscopes must be committed to center use.

Period of Performance
The maximum project period is 5 years.

Grant Value
The maximum budget that may be requested is $6,500,000 in total costs per year, excluding equipment and consortium F&A costs. Additional funds for equipment may be requested if well justified.