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The Fragment-Screen (FS) project is developing new technologies, services, and experimental workflows to advance fragment-based screening and accelerate their adoption across Research Infrastructures (RIs). To support implementation and uptake of these innovations, independent external validation is essential. This pilot call provides funded access for external research teams to test access and evaluate some of these FS-developed technologies through real fragment-screening research questions.
Aim of the Call
This pilot access call will provide funded access to support external validation projects that use new Fragment-Screen technologies to address a defined fragment-screening research question. Results and feedback from selected projects will contribute to improving and optimising the developed workflows prior to broader deployment. The Fragment-Screen project will support a minimum of two funded pilot access projects through this call.
What is Offered
Selected external teams will receive funded test access to new FS services, including:
| Service Offered | Facility | Short Description |
| Fragment Screening by NMR | Goethe-University Frankfurt - Germany |
ligand (1H)-observed fragment screening to identify binding partners for diverse biomolecules See:service description and user guideline here Contact the Facility here |
| In-cell NMR_Target Structure Validation & Drug–Target Engagement in Xenopus laevis Oocytes | CEITEC - Czech Republic |
In-cell NMR screening studies for in vivo validation See: service description and user guideline here Contact the Facility here |
| Fragment Screening by NMR | CERM - Italy |
Target-based NMR screening platform. Protein-based and ligand (19F) observed fragment screening to identify binding partners for diverse biomolecules even at low affinities Contact the Facility here |
| Fragment Screening using Native Mass Spectrometry | University of Lisbon - Portugal |
Fragment screening using native mass spectrometry to target binding, stoichiometry, and dissociation constants Contact the Facility here |
| High-density X-Ray based fragment-screening using CrysatlDirect | EMBL Grenoble - France |
High-density X-Ray based fragment-screening using CrystalDirect Contact the Facility here |
| Consultation for fragment-to-lead optimisation | University of Lisbon - Portugal |
Hit-to-lead and fragment-to-lead optimisation / structure based drug design |
Funding Available
The use of the new fragment-screen service requested through this call will be free of charge for the user. A contribution of up to €500 is reserved for the user to support their travel, accommodation of shipping expenses for remote access
Eligibility
The call is open to external research teams wishing to test FS-developed technologies to address a fragment-screening research question. Projects should be aligned with fragment screening / FBDD and be feasible within the pilot access framework. All applicants need to be ready to start with their access visit immediately (eg: sample ready). All projects will need to be finalised by the end of 2026.
Selection Criteria
Projects will be selected following Instruct-ERIC access guidelines:
Expected Feedback
Selected user teams will be expected to provide structured feedback on service/workflow performance, any validation data/results generated during access and a short final summary report (template provided).
Timeline (Indicative):
Call launch: 3-March
Application deadline: 14 April 3pm CET
Selection outcome: 14 May
Access implementation: May-November 2026
Contact
For questions and submission details:
Validation Lead: Sarah Townend – sarah.townend@instruct-eric.org
FS Coordination: Pauline Audergon - pauline@instruct-eric.org
