Equipment: MRI: track #1 acquisition of fluorescence assisted cell sorter at keck graduate institute (KGI)

The National Science Foundation Office of Integrative Activities awarded $543,430 to Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences on August 1, 2026, to acquire a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) under the Integrative Activities program (CFDA 47.083).

The FACS equipment will enable researchers to isolate and characterize cells with high precision by using lasers to sort cells by color. The instrument will support advanced biotechnology research in life sciences, biomedicine, and biomanufacturing at KGI, as well as hands-on training for students and trainees in biomanufacturing and biomedical engineering. Partner institutions in Southern California will have access to the system to enhance scientific collaboration and workforce development across the region. KGI will also provide access to biotechnology startup companies for development of cell-based therapies.

Performance occurs at Keck Graduate Institute in Claremont, California, over the period August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2029. No sub-awards are planned for this award.

Abstract

This award will support the acquisition of a florescence-activated cell sorter (facs) at the keck graduate institute. The facs is a device that shines lasers on cells and sorts them by color, which enables researchers to isolate and characterize cells with high precision. The facs will support advanced biotechnology research in life sciences, biomedicine, and biomanufacturing. In addition, the facs will provide students and trainees with hands-on training in biomanufacturing and biomedical engineering. Partner institutions in southern california will have access to the system to enhance scientific collaboration and workforce development across the region. This major research instrumentation project will: (1) address fundamental and translational questions in cell biology, biomedical engineering, and biotechnology; (2) strengthen collaborative research between KGI and neighboring institutions; and (3) prepare students for careers in research and manufacturing. The acquisition will support training for investigators at different career stages and strengthen partnerships. KGI will also provide access to biotechnology startup companies for the development of cell-based therapies. The award will foster vibrant research, strengthen education, and help prepare california?s biotechnology workforce. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.