Rhizosphere Function investigates interactions between genes and the environment at the molecular level to understand, predict and control plant and ecosystem traits at the systems scale.

EMSL is a user research facility whereby scientists, from around the world, can submit project proposals to access the laboratory’s experts and equipment at no cost.

Proposals are screened through a competitive peer-review process to ensure the project is scientifically impactful and relevant to DOE's Office of Biological and Environmental Research mission.

EMSL's user community provides the laboratory’s management team with recommendations for scientific direction and efficient operations through an elected committee of representatives.

The leaders then expanded the scientific focus to include biology, particularly the study of naturally occurring microbes for environmental cleanup, alternative energy, and carbon dioxide reduction in the atmosphere.

During this period, EMSL focused on two Grand Challenges: a biogeochemistry question concerning the fundamental interaction between microbes and minerals, and a study addressing the structure and function of proteins in the cell membrane.

[8] EMSL celebrated its twentieth anniversary in August 2017,[9] showcasing NWChem computational chemistry software, and advances in subsurface science and foundational biofuel production.

Scientific leaders participated in the event, including internationally recognized scientists Thom Dunning, Steve Colson, and Jean Futrell.