Science Themes
Users are encouraged to submit a proposal, following the User Access instructions, centered around one of the four Science Themes.
Advancing the understanding of the chemical and physical properties of aerosols, processes involved in aerosol formation, and how the composition of aerosols change over time upon exposure to atmospheric radiation, free radicals, and various atmospheric components
Biological Interactions and Dynamics
Understanding the protein composition of cells or membranes as well as the activities and structures of individual proteins or protein complexes
Geochemistry/Biogeochemistry and Subsurface Science
Studying reaction mechanisms at the mineral-water, microbe-mineral, and fluid-fluid interfaces at the molecular scale and understanding the effect of these mechanisms on the fate and transport of contaminants
Science of Interfacial Phenomena
Developing an understanding and gaining control of atomic- and molecular-level structure-function relationships at interfaces that enable the optimization of interfacial properties, such as the control of catalytic activity and selectivity
Grand Challenges
Scientific Grand Challenges differ from typical proposals because they involve the collaboration of researchers from multiple institutions, including universities, national laboratories, and industry, worldwide. Results from current Scientific Grand Challenges could give insight into how to use microbes and biological processes to address currently intractable issues in environmental remediation and energy.
EMSL Scientific Grand Challenge: Biogeochemistry
Studying how organisms exchange energy and electron flux with mineral matter in soils, sediments, and subsurface materials
EMSL Scientific Grand Challenge: Membrane Biology
Using a systems approach to understand the network of genes and proteins that govern the structure and function of membranes and their components responsible for photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation in cyanobacteria
