A Synchrotron Radiation Structural Biology Resource

Synchrotron radiation (SR) is an extremely bright and tunable x-ray source that enables forefront research in structural molecular biology (SMB). The goal of “A Synchrotron Structural Biology Resource" at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) is to provide users access to an integrated, mature SMB Resource with state-of-the-are synchrotron beam line facilities for macromolecular crystallography, x-ray absorption/emission/imaging spectroscopy and small- and wide-angle x-ray scattering/diffraction, techniques that form the three Resource’s Technical Operations Cores. Special emphasis is given to providing a high level of dedicated user support and services, to training of the users, and to performing extensive outreach on the scientific benefits of the capabilities of these specialized, yet mature facilities to the biomedical research community. Users are able to carry out experiments either on-site or from their home institutions by using sophisticated remote access instrument tools. User access is based on single experiment or program type proposals which undergo a transparent and robust external peer- review process. A multifaceted training and outreach program includes individual training, workshops, summer schools, on-the-road mini workshops, and internships by the Resource’s experienced science and technical staff, supplemented by outside experts. Training and outreach to Minority Serving Institutions is a special priority. Training will also include techniques that complement those provided by the 3 Resource’s TOCs so as to educate users as to optimal multi- technique research strategies for solving their most complex problems. The Resource’s web portal provides streamlined scientific, technical, training, outreach and administrative material and other relevant information for the users, our sponsors and the general public. A principal aim is to optimize and maintain, for reliable and forefront performance, experimental facilities and instrumentation, detectors, software and computing and network capabilities on the SMB Resource’s 8 beam lines at SSRL, capitalizing on the high SR x-ray performance of SSRL’s 3rd generation storage ring SPEAR3, and at the MFX station at LCLS. With a specialized focus on user training, support and service, the SMB Resource will enable the scientific success for challenging and routine projects in the biomedical sciences.