NIGMS supports a variety of structural biology research resources, including those funded through the Mature Synchrotron Resources (MSR) program. We’re currently evaluating the MSR program to inform future directions about the structure and operations of the program. As part of this evaluation, we’re seeking input from the extramural community (e.g., principal investigators and key personnel of MSR awards, resource staff, the user community, members of relevant advisory boards, and any other interested parties) on their experiences with and/or opinions on NIGMS-supported synchrotron resources.
This request for information (RFI) invites comments describing, but not limited to, the following:
- Perceived benefits of the MSR program
- Perceived challenges facing the MSR program
- Availability and quality of state-of-the-art technology at the synchrotron resources
- Availability and quality of the training in the use of the synchrotron resource technologies
- Availability and quality of the training in data analysis methods and/or software use offered as a part of the MSR program
- Suggested approaches for improving the MSR program to better serve the research community
- Effects on access to, use of, and training for the synchrotron resources as a result of COVID-19
- Relative use of synchrotron resources for structural biology research in comparison to nonsynchrotron-based structural biology techniques and technologies
- Expected future level of need for NIGMS-supported synchrotron resources
- Any other relevant topics for NIGMS to consider in the evaluation of the MSR program
Responses to the RFI can be submitted via an online form and will be anonymous. The due date for submitting responses to the RFI is June 17.