[Beckman Foundation](https://www.beckman-foundation.org)

Closed (Last deadline: June 11, 2021)

Up to $1.5 million per institution; flexible use for instrumentation, personnel, and research costs.

Supports advanced research using cryogenic light microscopy-guided FIB-milling for in-situ cryo-electron tomography of cellular interiors to address key questions in structural biology.

This was a one-time, closed program.

--- ## Description This grant program from the Beckman Foundation supported research leveraging high-resolution, in-situ imaging through cryogenic light microscopy-guided focused ion beam (FIB) milling for cryo-electron tomography (Cryo-ET) of cellular interiors. The initiative aimed to advance structural biology by enabling 3-D structure determination of organelles and proteins in their native environments. Proposals were expected to focus on core biological questions and innovative research projects that utilized FIB-milling and Cryo-ET workflows, with an emphasis on integrating additional imaging, sensing, or analysis technologies. Key aspects included: - Flexible funding for procurement and development of advanced instrumentation (e.g., cryogenic light microscopes, FIB-milling equipment, Cryo-EM energy filters or detectors). - Support for personnel, especially junior scientists, and robust training plans. - Requirements for detailed data storage, analysis, and sharing strategies. - Encouragement for interdisciplinary teams and broad training outreach beyond the applicant institution. --- ## Due Dates - Program is closed for new applications. - Last application deadline was June 11, 2021. --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $1.5 million per institution. - Funds could be used for: - Instrumentation acquisition, development, and maintenance. - Personnel support (including junior scientists, postdocs, and graduate students). - Training programs and data science collaborations. - Research program costs. - Institutions were required to demonstrate commitment for additional funding if needed to complete proposed objectives. --- ## Eligibility - Open to individual nonprofit US universities or research institutions, or consortia with a designated Lead Institution (which must be a nonprofit US entity). - Lead Institution was required to house the purchased equipment and manage the grant. - Applicants needed to have: - Existing or imminent Cryo-ET capability (in-house or via Cryo-EM Centers). - A clear plan for managing instrument time and research enabled by the new instrumentation. - Inclusion of junior faculty and scientists as integral team members was prioritized. - Multiple proposals from one institution were allowed if research groups and infrastructure did not overlap. --- ## Application Process 1. **Eligibility Determination:** Interested institutions first completed an eligibility form outlining current/planned Cryo-ET capabilities, instrument management plans, and intended research. 2. **Full Proposal:** Eligible applicants were invited to submit a full proposal addressing: - Research goals and workflow enabled by FIB-milling/Cryo-ET. - Justification for each element of the requested workflow. - Plans for technology development (if applicable), risk mitigation, and alternative strategies. - Data storage, analysis, and sharing plans. - Training and inclusion of junior scientists. - Institutional support for additional funding, if necessary. 3. **Review:** Proposals were evaluated on scientific merit, innovation, team composition, training impact, and feasibility. --- ## Additional Information - This was a one-time funding opportunity and is now closed. - The program prioritized proposals with interdisciplinary teams and strong training components. - FAQ and detailed RFP were available on the program page. --- ## External Links - [Program Page (details, RFP, FAQs)](https://www.beckman-foundation.org/programs/fib-milling-sample-preparation-cellular-cryoet/) - [Request for Proposals PDF](https://www.beckman-foundation.org/documents/90/FIB_Milling_Cryo-ET_RFP_Final.pdf) - [Recent Recipients](https://www.beckman-foundation.org/awarded-scientists/?award_program=FIB-Milling%20for%20Cellular%20CryoET) - [Beckman Foundation Programs](https://www.beckman-foundation.org/programs/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Contact Details | |------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Beckman Foundation Contact Page](https://www.beckman-foundation.org/contacts/) | | Instrument Grants | InstrumentGrants@beckman-foundation.org | | Phone | +1 949-531-0400 |

FIB-Milling Sample Preparation for Cellular CryoET

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