Goals

The determination of 3D structures of macromolecular complexes will have an essential role in future proteomics research. Although electron microscopy methods are highly advanced and have contributed extensively to various areas of life science research, the interaction of internationally recognized laboratories with complementary expertise is limited. The 3D-EM Network of Excellence is envisaged to provide a European forum operating in various fields of structural research. It will allow the coordination of research, training activities, research-industry collaboration, and the transfer of knowledge, via publications and focussed scientific meetings, in the field of Electron Microscopy. 3D-EM aims to establish a standardized platform of advanced technology and methodology that will allow Europe to maintain the lead in structural research.

The activities of the 3D-EM Network will focus on the 3D imaging of macromolecules and molecular machines as well as of cells and cell organelles.

In the five years to come, activities in the 3D-EM consortium will focus on:

(1) The development of a high level training programme in structural biology. The training activities will be established in close collaboration with the European Molecular Biology Lab, Heidelberg (EMBL), the organizer of the renowned series of high level "EMBO-courses". Training courses and workshops will be offered in various areas, including cryo-electron microscopy, electron tomography, bio computing, and image processing. They will be instrumental in the dissemination of state-of-the-art methodology in the EM field to the research community.

(2) The foundation of an EM structural database. It will serve as the standard repository for EM structures and provide the essential basis for a comparability of data and their facilitated exchange. Stan-dard data formats and validation standards will be developed according to the demands of the 3D-EM consortium in close collaboration with existing structural databases in the EU and USA.

(3) The creation of a user-friendly software platform. Novel, standardised protocols for structural analysis will be elaborated in a joint effort of the research community and manufacturers. They will enhance the throughput and reduce the requirement for specialist-skills in structural analysis. The public dissemination of novel standard procedures through 3D-EM ultimately will allow state-of-the-art structural research to be performed all over Europe.


Main objectives of the 3D-EM Network can be divided into


IMPROVEMENT OF EXISTING TECHNIQUES

    Improve specimen preparation methods and image recording


DEVELOPMENT AND STANDARDISATION

    Develop standardized and automated data acquisition software
    Develop a complete correction of the contrast transfer function
    Develop a user-friendly software platform
    Develop an EM structural database
    Stimulate the development and use of standards


COMMUNICATION

    Foster synergies between different technologies in structural research
    Communication within the research community and between community and manufacturers
    Provide access to infrastructure


TRAINING

    Strengthen training activities