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

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), has announced a new funding opportunity titled “National Centers for Cryo-electron Tomography (cryoET)” under Funding Opportunity Number PAR-26-138. This grant opportunity falls under the R24 Resource-Related Research Projects activity code and is designed to support the establishment and operation of national service centers that provide researchers across the United States with access to cutting-edge cryo-electron tomography (cryoET) technologies. These centers are also tasked with offering hands-on and remote training, aiding in the preparation and analysis of cryoET samples, and furthering the capabilities of the broader scientific community in utilizing these technologies independently. The program emphasizes skill-building and nationwide access, rather than solely providing technical services. The initiative stems from recent advancements in cryoEM and cryoET technologies that allow for detailed structural analysis of biological specimens. Despite their potential, barriers such as the high cost of instrumentation and technical complexity have limited broader usage. This funding opportunity addresses those barriers by supporting centers equipped with critical infrastructure, such as cryo-FIB-SEM and 300keV cryoEM microscopes with direct detectors, sample preparation tools, and computational resources necessary for tomographic data acquisition and processing. These instruments must be housed at the same physical location, and centers must offer a robust platform for both in-person and remote user engagement. Funded centers are expected to offer comprehensive services including specimen preparation (plunge freezing, high-pressure freezing, cryo-FIB-SEM milling), data acquisition, and basic processing of cryoET data. While the centers will support standard workflows and assist with data collection and initial analysis, they are not responsible for conducting project-specific research. A crucial element of the program is the provision of training that enables users to independently operate cryoET equipment and understand sample preparation protocols. The centers may also adapt and implement emerging methodologies but are limited to dedicating no more than 10% of their effort to internal research or technology development. Eligible applicants include a broad range of U.S.-based entities, including higher education institutions (public and private), nonprofits, small businesses, state and local governments, and tribal organizations. Foreign organizations and non-domestic components are not eligible. Institutions must possess the required instrumentation infrastructure and meet facility requirements to qualify. Importantly, cryo-FIB-SEM and 300keV microscopes must be co-located to ensure operational feasibility. Institutions may submit more than one application if the proposals are scientifically distinct. The application process includes a detailed research strategy outlining equipment, training plans, staffing, workflow logistics, and contingency planning. Applications must be submitted electronically through ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system platforms. Required registrations with systems such as SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons must be completed prior to submission. Key personnel must have eRA Commons credentials, and at least one Principal Investigator must dedicate a minimum of three person-months to the center. Budget requests must reflect actual project needs, with equipment costs limited to the initial year. No inflationary increases are allowed. Service contracts, travel, and website development are permitted costs. The first application deadline is March 10, 2026, with a subsequent due date of January 26, 2027. Both cycles will be reviewed in July, with award notifications expected by October and project start dates by December of the same year. There is no facility charge for users from nonprofit institutions. While cost sharing is not required, institutions must demonstrate sufficient infrastructure and personnel capability. Although this NOFO does not support clinical trials, it places a strong emphasis on user accessibility, equitable application review processes, and national coordination among funded centers. Inquiries may be directed to [email protected], with specific contacts for scientific, peer review, and financial matters provided in the official announcement.

Applicants must ensure that cryo-FIB-SEM and 300keV microscopes are co-located and not part of other federally-funded centers. User access must follow a transparent, equal-opportunity process. Plans must reflect independent training, not just service delivery.