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Next Proposal Call
Next Proposal Call
March 1 - March 31, 2026
March 1 - March 31, 2026
Overview
Overview
The Joint Genome Institute (JGI) and The Molecular Foundry (TMF) offer a collaborative user program focused on innovations in critical minerals and materials (CMM). The program seeks user proposals that integrate genomics with nanoscale science, accelerating discoveries and developing transformative bio-based technologies that address challenges in the sourcing, recovery, and utilization of CMMs.
Molecular Foundry
Molecular Foundry
Supported by the DOE Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES), TMF provides researchers worldwide with access to state-of-the-art expertise and instrumentation in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. Users and members of their research teams work on-site at TMF alongside facility experts to conduct research beyond the capabilities of individual laboratories. TMF's comprehensive nanoscale science capabilities enable users to expand the scope, technical depth, and impact of their research.
Joint Genome Institute
Joint Genome Institute
Supported by the Biological and Environmental Research (BER) program, the JGI provides advanced genomic capabilities and access to large-scale data resources. Users can ship samples and/or provide DNA designs to the JGI where expert staff process samples, run instruments and/or workflows, and process data, delivering products to the users, such as fully annotated genome assemblies or protein expression libraries.
Scope of Research
Scope of Research
User proposals within this program are expected to address one or more of the following areas:
Genomics and metagenomics: Exploring the genetic potential and functional roles of fungi, algae, protists, bacteria, archaea, viruses, plants, microbial communities, and plant-microbe interactions in critical mineral-rich environments.
Biogeochemical cycling: Investigating cellular-, protein-, or chelate-mediated transformations and mobilization of critical elements.
Bioleaching and biorecovery: Developing and optimizing biological processes and bio-based materials with synthetic biology and genetic engineering for the extraction and recovery of critical minerals from various sources.
Biomineralization: Understanding and harnessing biological processes and resulting biominerals at the atomic, molecular, and systems level for the design of new materials.
Materials discovery: Identifying proteins and enzymes involved in the binding, transport, and storage of critical elements, as well as those that utilize these elements in catalysis, to inspire the development of catalysts and materials with improved resource efficiency or functionalities, such as self-healing “smart” materials with capabilities currently only achievable through complex biosystems.
User proposal submission portal opens March 1, 2026
User proposal submission portal opens March 1, 2026
More info is available here.
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