EBRC to Collaborate on NSF CFIRE and USPRD Initiatives

The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the launch of Advancing Cell-Free Systems Toward Increased Range of Use-Inspired Applications (CFIRE), a new $32.4 million initiative that will support four research teams to transform cell-free engineering and applications across industries. This initiative aims to accelerate innovation across sectors and strengthen U.S. leadership in the bioeconomy.

EBRC is excited to work alongside our partners from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, University of Michigan, Georgia Institute of Technology, b.next, University of Minnesota, Tulane University, exozYmes, and Roke Biotechnologies to develop a robust framework for standards and metrics that will aid in the adoption and scalability of cell-free technology. You can learn more about CFIRE here.

We’re also thrilled to collaborate on NSF’s Use-Inspired Acceleration of Protein Design (USPRD) program with partners from Ginkgo Bioworks, Koliber Bio, University of California, San Francisco, Stony Brook University, and Sepia Biosciences to advance new approaches in protein design that unlock powerful applications for the bioeconomy. You can learn more about USPRD here.

Across both initiatives, EBRC is committed to supporting efforts in biosecurity, ethics, and ELSI to guide responsible and impactful innovation. Please reach out to Emily (CFIRE) or India (USPRD) with any questions or if you would like to further discuss the initiatives. Keep a lookout for updates on our website!