Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is revolutionizing structural investigations of biological and material samples, and the new UCSC Biomolecular cryo-EM facility is here for you to exploit this exciting new technology. Cryo-EM can contribute to biomedical research focusing on structural biology, enzymology, microbiology, cell biology, and ligand discovery, to name a few applications. Material sciences and soft materials characterization can also benefit from the atomic resolution information accessible by cryo-EM and is compatible with our instrumentation.
With the establishment of our new facility, the UCSC Office of Research has made funding available to kick-off new projects and collect preliminary data for future extramural grant applications. We are pleased to announce a call for applications for this funding entitled “My First Freezing: cryo-EM Project”. Awardees will receive a $1500 “recharge voucher” for the UCSC cryo-EM facility, which can be used for sample preparation and EM supplies that will allow preliminary data acquisition and analysis. Based on project progress and availability of funds, a second voucher may also be requested.
Who can apply?
UC-affiliated researchers that aim to visualize biological and/or material samples in nano-to-micrometer size scale. Sample purification and previous characterization may not be required depending on the goals.
What should you expect?
Please contact the facility manager (Vitor Serrão – vbalasco@ucsc.edu) to discuss your project ideas and feasibility. This discussion will clarify what is typically needed to get going- types and amounts of samples that are ready (or near ready) to be put on the microscope – and what preliminary data can be obtained with the initial budget and how it will impact the future grant applications and projects achievability.
Eligibility Conditions
- UC-affiliated researchers (PIs/postdocs/grad-students).
- New facility users and projects that are not already included as major users and/or have funded opportunities for cryo-EM projects will be considered during the selection.
- The proposal should present an appropriate and suitable target and methodology.
- The researchers should provide enough evidence of a well-behaved sample of interest
Submission
Submit a one-page PDF file containing a brief overview of your project (including goals and/or preliminary data that might support project feasibility) and how cryo-EM will contribute to its success and new extramural funding to cryoem@ucsc.edu. Applications will be evaluated by a technical advisory working committee on a rolling basis, with the first round of results announced on February 28th 2022.