The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research (OBER), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), National Research Initiative (NRI) have announced their interest in receiving applications for genomics-based research that will lead to the improved use of biomass and plant feedstocks for the production of fuels such as ethanol or renewable chemical feedstocks. Specifically, applications are sought for fundamental research on plants that will improve biomass characteristics, biomass yield, or that will facilitate lignocellulosic degradation. Systems biology approaches to identify genetic indicators enabling plants to be efficiently bred or manipulated, or research that yields fundamental knowledge of the structure, function and organization of plant genomes leading to improved feedstock characterization and sustainability are also encouraged. The solicitation can be found at:

http://fedgrants.gov/Applicants/DOE/PAM/HQ/DE-FG02-06ER06-03/listing.html

PLEASE NOTE: Pre-applications are due December 15.

Revision Note: Following the URL for the plant feedstock genomics solicitation listed above and linking to the full announcement, contact information is given should say: SCbiomass.genomics@science.doe.gov This correction will be made on Grants.gov. We appreciate the information provided by Sharlene Weatherwax on this correction. Inquiries can also be sent to Sharlene at sharlene.weatherwax@science.doe.gov Chavonda Jacobs-Young at cjacobs@csrees.usda.gov and Ed Kaleikau at ekaleikau@csrees.usda.gov

We appreciate the help of Sharlene Weatherwax of DOE and Ed Kaleikau and Chavonda Jacobs-Young of USDA-CSREES-NRI in providing this announcement.