Genome research has made considerable progress over recent years and is used in many areas. However, no other area has been affected to such a degree over the last few years, albeit virtually unnoticed by the general public, as the use of microorganisms for industrial application (e.g. animal food or enzymes used in washing agents). For this reason, the genome-based analysis and optimisation of microorganisms will in future be key to the development of innovative and competitive products and processes in the fields of chemistry, pharma, medicine, nutrition and environmental protection.

The funding programme targets the assessment of recent insights into genome research for their potential to become products, processes and services. The programme plans to fund projects dealing with the investigation of microorganisms using genomics methods, including methods used in functional genomics (pyrosequencing, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics, modelling) and optimised for applications in industry, agriculture or environmental protection. The funding measure is composed of two modules: Module A addresses industrial projects and Module B addresses work groups.

The BMBF has commissioned its Project Management Organisation Jülich (PtJ-BIO) to coordinate the programme. In the first instance, proposals (in both paper and electronic form) must be submitted to PtJ by 30th April 2008 at the latest.

Further information:
Project Management Organisation Jülich
Biology Division
Research Centre Jülich GmbH
D-52425 Jülich
Tel.: +49 (0)2461/615543
Fax: +49 (0)2461/612690

Contact:
Dr. Wennemann
Tel.: +49 (0)2461-61-3299
Fax: +49 (2)461-61-2690
E-mail: c.wennemann@fz-juelich.de