This is a Marsden Fund proposal that will investigate the activation pathway for Mcr and cofactor biosynthesis of F430, Coenzyme M and coenzyme B (Mcr cofactors). For Mcr activity to occur the nickel ion of F430 needs to be highly reduced and the enzymatic pathway required for this is termed the activation pathway. This work builds on that of international students using thermophilic methanogens. We have assembled a world-leading scientific team including Evert Duin at Auburn University (Alabama) and Prof William Whitman at the University of Georgia. Evert Duin is one of the only truly world-class experts in Mcr, and received 3 years training with Rolf Thauer in Germany.
This is just the preliminary proposal. If successful, then a full proposal would be submitted in June-July. Final approval is obtained in October 2016. It would begin when the two PhD students start, probably in the beginning of 2017. 
Reporting requirements for Marsden are minimal (two 2-3 page annual reports, and a final 4-5 page annual report). The current Marsden only requires about an hour a week.
