Science Theme Call for Proposals

Science Theme calls are open to all topics that fit within the Science Themes. Proposals that will use New Capabilities, that require multiple techniques or areas of EMSL, require unique EMSL capabilities or that relate to targeted topics described within each Science Theme are especially encouraged. Details about targeted Science Theme topics follow.

Biological Interactions and Dynamics Science Theme

Proposals are encouraged that focus on determining the protein composition of cells or membranes, as well as the activities and structures of individual proteins or protein complexes. Preference will be given to proposals addressing the dynamics of protein composition or localization, their assembly into multiprotein complexes, or studies that probe important properties of biological membranes, including cell-environment interactions (also see Geochemistry/Biogeochemistry and Subsurface Science). Proposals involving multidisciplinary teams that combine experimental and computational capabilities are also strongly encouraged.

Geochemistry/Biogeochemistry and Subsurface Science Theme

Proposals to use EMSL resources to probe reaction mechanisms at the mineral-water, microbe-mineral, and fluid-fluid interfaces at the molecular scale are encouraged. Preference will be given to proposals that either elucidate specific interfacial molecular mechanisms or focus on identifying the molecular form of contaminants or radionuclides in and on the surfaces of natural materials and their impact of the fate of transport of contaminants in the environment.

Proposals can address key issues in molecular geochemistry or biogeochemistry, such as electron transfer processes at the microbe-mineral interface, the specific effects of adsorbate binding to specific sites on mineral surfaces, crystal growth/dissolution processes, or coupled processes that can involve the coupling of electron transport (via radicals or intermediates) with proton or adsorbate interactions at the surface. User projects can address fundamental issues in fluid flow and reactive transport using column and intermediate scale flow experiments. Proposals involving multidisciplinary teams that combine experimental and computational capabilities are also strongly encouraged.

Atmospheric Aerosol Chemistry Science Theme

EMSL is seeking user proposals involving the molecular-level understanding of atmospheric aerosol chemistry. Specifically, proposals are solicited that focus on the characterization and understanding of the chemical and physical properties of organic aerosols and elemental carbon, and/or linking experiments to the development, testing, and validation of theoretical models of aerosol nucleation, growth, and atmospheric processing.

Topics of particular interest include processes involved in aerosol formation and how the composition and chemistry of the aerosols change in time (aging studies) upon exposure to atmospheric radiation, free radicals, and other key atmospheric components. Proposals involving multidisciplinary teams that combine experimental and computational capabilities are also strongly encouraged.

Science of Interfacial Phenomena Science Theme

EMSL is seeking user proposals that contribute to the atomic- and molecular-level understanding and control of the dynamic, reactive, and transport properties of interfaces having possible environmental and energy implications. Material systems with interfaces designed and optimized, or tailored, with specific properties are essential to technologies needed to maintain a secure environment and obtain a stable energy future.

Technical areas that will rely on improved understanding and control of molecular-level structural, dynamic, and transport properties of interfaces include hydrogen production and storage; solid-oxide fuel cell research and development; materials for next-generation nuclear reactors; radiation detectors and chemical sensors; a new generation of selective, efficient, and stable catalysts; and solid-state lighting.

Proposals that link multiple techniques or areas of EMSL, that seek to establish molecular level control of catalytic activity and selectivity, that can provide fundamental information about mechanisms that control photocatalysis and photochemistry, deal with advanced energy systems or are associated with the design and testing of material systems with specialized transport properties are encouraged.