A Synchrotron Radiation Structural Biology Resource

NIH RePORTER · NIH · P30 · $534,531 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

Summary/Abstract - P30GM133894 Synchrotron radiation (SR) is an extremely bright and tunable x-ray source that enables forefront research in structural molecular biology (SMB). The goal of “A Synchrotron Structural Biology Resource" at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), hereafter referred to as simply “Resource”, is to provide users access to integrated, mature SMB capabilities utilizing state-of-the-art synchrotron beam line facilities for macromolecular crystallography, x-ray absorption/emission/imaging spectroscopy and small angle x-ray scattering/diffraction. These three areas comprise the Resource’s three Technical Operations Cores. Special emphasis is to create streamlined user access, provide dedicated user support and services, to train users, and to perform outreach on the scientific benefits of the capabilities of these specialized, yet mature facilities to the biomedical research community. Multiple innovative access mechanisms are being provided, that include both single- and multiple-technique approaches to access the Cores, based on a transparent and robust external peer-review process. A multifaceted training and outreach program includes individual training, workshops, summer schools, on-the-road, and support clinic segments by experienced scientific and technical staff. A Resource web portal provides streamlined scientific, technical, training, outreach and administrative material and other relevant information. A principal aim is to optimize and maintain, for reliable and forefront performance, experimental facilities and instrumentation, detectors, software and computing and network capabilities on the Resource’s 8+ beam lines at SSRL, capitalizing on the high SR x-ray performance of SSRL’s 3rd generation storage ring SPEAR3, and at the MFX station at LCLS. A multi-facility proposal mechanism facilitates access to complementary Cryo-EM and LCLS stations on-site at SLAC. With a specialized focus on user training, support and service, the Resource enables the scientific success for challenging and routine projects in the biomedical sciences.

Key facts

NIH application ID
10895074
Project number
3P30GM133894-04S2
Recipient
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
Principal Investigator
KEITH O HODGSON
Activity code
P30
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2023
Award amount
$534,531
Award type
3
Project period
2020-06-01 → 2025-02-28