Frequently Asked Questions: Proposal Submission

Review the list of open calls; click on the call link to see specific details including project types supported, sample/capacity limits, and instructions.  Many of the submissions are done using web-based forms.  

To view the proposal templates, go to the proposal submission page, login using your JGI account (create one here if you don’t already have an account) and click the “Begin” button for the call you are interested in.

All proposals must be written in English.

The CSP and FICUS calls are open to both domestic and international applicants from any institution type and at any career stage. Generally, most users are able to work with Berkeley Lab. 

However, users from certain countries (Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Syria), need DOE permission and authorization from other U.S. government agencies to work with Berkeley Lab, a process which can take 6 months or longer to obtain with no guarantee of approval.   

JGI staff are not eligible to submit proposals, or to be listed as co-PIs or collaborators.  JGI’s standard User Agreement (available in our Document Center TK)must be signed before work can begin, and all CSP proposals are subject to JGI policies on Data Release and Publication.  

Except for applicants to the CSP New Investigator call, investigators may have existing proposals with the JGI.

You can find tips on how to submit an effective proposal on our YouTube channel as well as our Genome Insider podcast (TK). 

You can also contact [email protected] for advice! 

The deliverables can range from raw sequence data to well-annotated assembled genomes to synthesized DNA constructs to metabolomics data, depending on the specific product types covered in the call.   

If you have technical questions, we encourage you to contact us in advance for advice.

For accepted proposals, sequencing, synthesis, metabolomics and analysis will be paid for by the Department of Energy’s funding of the JGI.

No, the proposal is only for sequencing, metabolomics and/or synthesis effort at JGI. There is no cost to the user and no granting of funds.

A complete listing of approved proposals can be found here.  All sequence data will be accessible on the JGI Genome Portal.
 

Yes. You should indicate this in the proposal so we can select the project provisionally. If your project makes it successfully through the scientific review and is selected, we will provide you with the information you need for the grant.

Yes. You should use it to demonstrate that you have the capability to perform the plans described in your proposal.

While, in general, requests will be for sequencing and its analysis, investigators are encouraged to contact the JGI concerning other genomic resource needs.

Scientific merit is the major criteria used in evaluating proposals; however, the proposal must demonstrate relevance to DOE missions.  

The USDA, NSF, and NIH all operate sequencing programs, and potential users are urged to contact these agencies for projects when appropriate.

The review process is confidential. Once a project is selected, however, we will post the PIs’ names and the proposal titles. All data will be released in accordance with the JGI Data Release Policy. Learn more on our Data Policy & Support page. 

Sample requirements for sequencing projects can be found here. The quality of the starting material is one of the greatest predictors of a successful sequencing project.

Utilization or transfer of any genetic resource may be covered by local, national or international regulation.  These requirements apply whether the use is for non-profit or for-profit activity. A few examples include:

• Convention on Biological Diversity Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing
• Benefits sharing in the US National Parks
• USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service permits
• US Fish and Wildlife permits

These examples may apply to your samples, but do not serve as a comprehensive list of regulatory requirements. The user is responsible for determining which regulations or permit requirements are appropriate and ensuring compliance before any materials are transferred to JGI.

The JGI does not require a specific format; many investigators use a format similar to the NIH or NSF biosketches, or the Europass format. In general, CVs should not exceed three pages.

We encourage submitters to contact the JGI to discuss their proposals prior to submission! Specific contact info is available through our Proposal Page, Science Programs pages, or please contact us with your general questions.