Who can become a SuperSTEM user? | The SuperSTEM facility serves the world-wide scientific community: U.K. and international researchers (with U.K. collaborators) alike are welcome to apply for instrument time.
- Short studies by an academic user, e.g. an initial set of experiments, are entirely free of charge. After review of your scientific proposal by the SuperSTEM scientific and executive committee, you will be informed whether your project falls in this category.
- Longer studies by U.K. researchers, in addition to the process described in step 1, require an application specifically for SuperSTEM instrument time ‘tickets’ through the EPSRC on-line grant proposal system, JeS. SuperSTEM ‘tickets’ cover the running cost of the facility and are provided under the ‘Standard Proposal’ category as ‘Standard Research Grants’, which do not coincide with any specific call for proposals (‘Open Call’). Once submitted, these proposals are considered by the EPSRC under the Rapid Response scheme for small grants, thus ensuring a minimal waiting time. (EPSRC pro-forma download)
- Researchers from other international institutions are encouraged to discuss the allocation of SuperSTEM time directly with us as they cannot submit proposals through the usual EPSRC channels. In such cases, contributions to the facility running costs will be estimated at the EPSRC-equivalent academic rate.
- Industrial and proprietary research applications are welcome: please, contact us for our commercial rates.
The following paragraphs provide a step-by-step guide to becoming a SuperSTEM user. |
|
|
Please, submit a brief scientific proposal to :
outlining over 2-3 page:
- Some general background information on the problem you would like to study at SuperSTEM
- Previous studies and preliminary work you may have carried out on this project: micrographs or preliminary analytical data, prior publications on the subject...
- As much information as you can about your samples: how are they produced, what type of support film or mounting grid are you planning to use, how thick are the regions of interest, are there potential issues with beam damage, can they be baked/plasma cleaned,
etc...? More information on sample suitability can be found in our Sample Handling Handbook.
- Details of the specific experiments you would like to carry out at SuperSTEM, including which microscopy techniques you would like to apply (EELS spectrum imaging, EDS, diffractive imaging…). When writing this short proposal, it is often useful to answer the question: "what is, realistically, the ideal dataset I would like to acquire at SuperSTEM?".
- Scope of the proposed work: is this a proof of principle experiment, a short study or a long term research program? How many microscope days do you estimate you might need?...
This document will help the SuperSTEM scientific staff and time allocation panel to evaluate your project, to plan the adequate allocation of instrument time and to assign a member of staff to your proposal, if you are not directly in contact with one of us already. For guidance, an example of a successful proposal can be found here. | Step 2 : Review process | Our independent and expert time allocation committee meets every six weeks. They will assess the merit, suitability and needs of your experiments on the basis of your scientific proposal, as described in Step1. We will endeavour to get in touch with you within a few days of the allocation panel meeting to inform you of the outcome of your application.
- If your application is unsuccessful. You can still become a SuperSTEM user. The time allocation panel may have felt that our instruments could not suitably address your scientific proposal at this point. They will always try to provide you with detailed explanations for their decision as well as suggestions on how to refine your proposal so it can qualify for SuperSTEM time in the future. Do not hesitate to get back in touch with SuperSTEM staff to further discuss your experiments!
- If your application is successful. You can now plan your visit to SuperSTEM!
|
Step 3 : Prepare for your visitAfter your proposal has been accepted and instrument time has been allocated the SuperSTEM research scientist assigned to your project will contact you to arrange your visit and discuss the particulars of your experiments (such as sample pre-screening…).
You may find the SuperSTEM Sample Handling Handbook (SSHH) useful: this document provides a very complete set of guidelines, established procedures and recommendations for sample handling and transportation, sample storage and more generally sample preparation. (Download SSHH)
Information about travel to the STFC Daresbury campus, local transport options and accommodation can be found in the relevant sections of the SuperSTEM website.
If you are travelling from outside the E.U., you may need to obtain a visa to gain entry into the U.K. Please allow for ample time for the visa application process before you book your SuperSTEM time and do not hesitate to contact us should you need official documents confirming your intent to carry out collaborative research at SuperSTEM. |
|
website contact: dorothea@superstem.org |
|
|
|
