State of the art cryo electron microscope for molecular and cellular biology (360G-Wellcome-206166_Z_17_Z)

Dramatic advances in the power of cryo electron microscopy (EM) to resolve macromolecular and cellular machinery have greatly expanded the field and our need for access to state-of-the-art microscopes. With its internationally renowned research programme on macromolecular machines, the ISMB EM lab is ideally placed to benefit from recent instrumental developments. Although the eBIC facility at Diamond helps by providing intermittent access to state of the art 300 kV systems, this cannot sustain our large research programmes and expanding user base without substantial in-house facilities. Our ever-increasing number of structural and cell biology users are now waiting 3-5 weeks for access to high-end microscopes. Our recent equipment award contributes to an intermediate, 200 kV system, suitable for single-particle work but sub-optimal for tomography and cell biology, limiting its wider impact. In contrast, a 300 kV machine, with cutting-edge performance for single particles, unique assemblies, and cellular sections, would have a transformative impact, enabling new research from a wider community including outstanding local cell biologists. Therefore, we request a Cryo-EM Equipment Grant to upgrade from the 200 kV system to a high-end 300 kV system to be accommodated by an expansion and reorganisation of our EM laboratory.