[3dem] Independent purchaser-side support for EM & cryo-EM acquisition decisions

[alevtyna@tenderpal.org alevtyna@tenderpal.org]

Dear colleagues,
 
Following my previous message, I would like to thank those who have already reached out for discussions and questions.
 
Several recent conversations have highlighted a growing interest not only in cryo-EM instrumentation itself, but also in the broader ecosystem required to support advanced structural biology workflows. In particular, we have received multiple requests for guidance related to:
 
• cryo-EM sample preparation infrastructure and workflow design
• planning for cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), which is rapidly becoming a major focus area in many institutions
• IT infrastructure and data management strategies to support the very large data volumes generated by modern cryo-EM workflows
• aligning infrastructure decisions with long-term scientific programs rather than short-term equipment choices
 
These discussions often arise at a very early stage of planning, when institutions are translating scientific ambitions into technical specifications, facility design, and procurement strategy.
 
As a reminder, the advisory support is independent and vendor-neutral, operating exclusively on the purchaser’s side to help institutions navigate complex acquisition and implementation decisions while allowing research teams to remain focused on their scientific objectives.
 
For those interested in a deeper overview of planning considerations and common pitfalls in EM infrastructure development, additional notes are available here:
 
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.tenderpal.org__;!!Mih3wA!HxUavjV9U3bQnGvV_Z62yvQDTRmTNpcvb9lxujw_vDVId5ke2zxAElGmMNybBfw0ds85nufHNKgJq1Xrzuf6Ric$ 
If these topics are relevant to your institution’s planning or future infrastructure development, I would be happy to continue the conversation.
 
With best regards,
Alevtyna
 

> On 01/23/2026 5:44 PM CET alevtyna at tenderpal.org
>  
> Dear colleagues,
>  
> This is to inform the community that independent, vendor-neutral technical advisory support is available to universities and research institutions planning complex EM and cryo-EM acquisitions.
>  
> The support focuses on early technical decision-making, including:
>  
> * translating scientific goals and long-term research ambitions into realistic system needs and requirements
>  
> * supporting the definition of technical specifications and defensible tender documentation
>  
> * advising through installation, commissioning, and acceptance testing
>  
> The intent is to support institutions in avoiding early technical assumptions that can later constrain scientific capability, infrastructure compatibility, or operational sustainability — particularly in cases where in-house expertise is limited or where an independent technical perspective is required.
>  
> The advisory support operates independently of equipment suppliers and works exclusively on the purchaser’s side. No vendor representation, commissions, or participation in supplier proposal writing are involved.
>  
> Further information is available at https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.tenderpal.org__;!!Mih3wA!HxUavjV9U3bQnGvV_Z62yvQDTRmTNpcvb9lxujw_vDVId5ke2zxAElGmMNybBfw0ds85nufHNKgJq1Xrzuf6Ric$  https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.tenderpal.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com__;!!Mih3wA!BUxotxRdI3_1wHuGSf1EUTJjgnZDyXm7FapIkdHw_NbXnCrnvFG2lxRWMzGEMSSHqWcrfVa4qMQBNwBjCaTLZc0$
>  
> With best regards,
> Alevtyna
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