Opportunities in Microbial Genome Sequencing

Microbial Genome Sequencing Program, Fiscal Year 2009

The National Science Foundation has released details on the final year of the Microbial Genome Sequencing Program. This interagency program supports genome sequencing of microorganisms and the metagenomes of mixed microbial communities. One major goal is to make novel genome sequences more valuable to the research community.

By studying genome sequences, researchers can gain valuable insight into how microorganisms function, live and interact with their environments. This information is invaluable for astrobiologists studying the potential for life on other celestial bodies in the solar system. Investigators in the program are focused on topics relevant to astrobiology, including the role microorganisms complex ecosystems and environmentally important geochemical cycles, and the genetic mechanisms behind evolution.

A workshop on Microbial Genomics is to be held for all awardees in the Microbial Genome Sequencing Program. For additional details on the program and submission guidelines, click: here.

For abstracts of recent awards made through this program, click: here.

Source: [NSF]