National Centers for Cryo-electron Tomography (cryoET) (R24 -Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Background
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support the establishment of National Centers for Cryo-electron Tomography (CryoET).

The goal is to provide nationwide access to advanced cryoET instrumentation and technical support, while assisting researchers in acquiring the necessary skills for conducting cryoET studies. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of biological processes and facilitate advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Grant Details
The program will support service centers that provide:
1. Access to state-of-the-art facilities for cryoET;
2. User training in the theory and practice of cryoET;
3. Assistance in sample preparation and tomographic data collection.

Each center must have specific equipment including at least one cryogenic focused ion beam-scanning electron microscope (cryo-FIB-SEM) and one state-of-the-art 300keV cryoEM microscope, both reserved for the center's use. The centers will also provide training in sample preparation methods such as plunge freezing and high-pressure freezing, as well as tomographic data collection services. Centers are expected to engage in research that advances their service objectives while keeping pace with technological advancements.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, local governments, state governments, tribal governments, and other entities as specified. Non-domestic entities are not eligible to apply. At least one Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) should be an expert in cryoET.

Period of Performance
The maximum project period is 5 years, with an anticipated start date following the application review process.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant is contingent upon NIH appropriations and the number of meritorious applications received. Application budgets are not limited but must reflect actual project needs.

Place of Performance
The geographic location(s) where the grant activities will be performed must meet facility requirements outlined in the NOFO.