The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a network of field research sites designed to collect long-term open access ecological data to better understand how U.S. ecosystems are changing. Through the “Facilities Integrating Collaborations for User Science” (FICUS) call between the JGI and the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL), successful applicants can also access resources at NEON. This includes access to the NEON Biorepository at Arizona State University, which archives and makes available for research over 100,000 samples and specimens of over 60 different types of NEON samples and specimens per year.
This NEON-focused webinar complements a recent webinar co-hosted by the JGI and EMSL inviting researchers to apply for a FICUS proposal. Additionally, researchers may also request access to the Biological Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (Bio-SANS) instrument available at Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Structural Molecular Biology. Watch this webinar hosted by EMSL to learn more about BioSANS.
Letters of Intent are due March 17, 2021 for the FICUS proposal call.
Q&A from the Webinar:
Q(uestion): Can I apply as a postdoc, or do I need a faculty member as PI?
A(nswer: The FICUS program is open to scientists at international institutes. Applicants do not need to be US citizens or work at a US institution. Postdocs are also welcome to apply to the FICUS program. Find out more about the FICUS program at: jgi.doe.gov/user-programs.
Q: How can I get that NEON Biorepository Letter of Support ahead of filing a proposal?
A: If you have a good idea of what you want, go straight to Sample Use Request Form. Otherwise, email us at [email protected]. It can take time to approve requests so it is critical to contact us as soon as possible.
Q: What if the NEON Biorepository doesn’t have enough samples or the type of samples that I need?
A:Make a request through the NEON assignable assets program.
Q: For a NEON Assignable Assets project, does the data produced become public as well?
A: Currently NEON doesn’t have a method for hosting that data. NEON recommends you host your data elsewhere. However, the NEON Biorepository data portal can host many types of sample-associated data and link sample records to other public data sets.
Q: Does NEON have or plan on collecting RNA samples from soil or surfaces for microbe-focused collections?
A: Not at the moment but it is possible things will change in the future. We recommend staying up to date via our website, social media, and newsletter.
Q: How would people find out about the NEON Sample Protocols?
A: Go to the NEON website and click on the Data & Samples tab. Front their you can click on Data and into the Data Portal where if you click into a data product, you can read more and download the protocol and guidelines.