ExFAB’s External User Program supports the cost of accessing ExFAB facilities and technical staff for projects approved through periodic calls for external proposals. External Users with approved projects can visit ExFAB to carry out the research collaboratively with our staff, or projects can be handled entirely by ExFAB if travel is not feasible. Please note, while on-site presence is encouraged, it is not required. Travel support may be available for researchers from non-R1 institutions who wish to visit ExFAB.
Calls are announced on this website, through our mailing list, and across our social media channels. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult with the ExFAB User Coordinator at any time to discuss potential projects (an open call is not required for consultation).
OPEN CALL
We are now accepting applications!
Apply by: December 18th, 2026 at 11:59PM PDT
Eligibility: Applicants must be researchers from academic institutions within the United States
Fall 2026 External Proposal Page
Review feedback and final award decisions from leadership are communicated directly to lead investigators following the review cycle, after which selected projects begin onboarding and experimental scheduling.
Selection Criteria
Proposed projects undergo a competitive evaluation involving reviews by internal staff and external subject-matter experts, with final selections made by ExFAB leadership. Submissions are assessed against four criteria:
- Relevance to the Call: Alignment with the specific focus areas and scope defined for the submission cycle.
- Fit with ExFAB’s Research Mission: Utilization of our specialized capabilities in non-model hosts, automation, and high-throughput workflows to advance applications in biosynthesis and bioremediation, or to advance our understanding of the Rules of Life.
- Technical Feasibility: Soundness of the experimental plan and compatibility with ExFAB’s instrumentation and staffing capacity.
- Broader Scientific Impact: Potential to advance discovery, build community resources, or generate tools within the wider “Ex” Microbiology research community.
User Coordinator Consultation
Consultations with our User Coordinator are available during active calls and between calls. Note that some project types require a consultation with our User Coordinator to assess scope and alignment.
