Primary funder name: Science and Technology Facilities Council

Closing date: 13 Jul 20

Full text: The Science and Technology Facilities Council invites proposals for access to the Octopus and Ultra facilities. This provides access to the Octopus imaging facility and the Ultra spectroscopy facility at the Harwell Research Complex. Octopus has a wide range of multicolour laster-light sources giving flexibility to combine multiple beams, multiple colours and timing capabilities. Ultra is a laser facility for advanced time-resolved infrared and Raman spectroscopy that probes the dynamics of molecular reactions in solids, liquids and gases and addressing scientific questions in the physical and life sciences. The following modes of access are available in this call: •direct access, available for Octopus and Ultra – encourages proposals aimed at collecting preliminary data to support future grant applications, with up to four weeks of access available; •new programmes access, available for Ultra – awarded to UK academics in support of a research grant that clearly demonstrates the need for a connected series of experiments, for programmes of between two and five years’ duration; •continuation of approved programmes, available for Octopus and Ultra – for access time as part of an approved programme. The facilities operate with more than one user group simultaneously. Applicants must apply for sufficient access to cover the use of each microscope or laser system. Times should be calculated in one week blocks as the sum of time requested for each experiment. For example, a group intending to use two different microscopes or laser systems simultaneously for one week should apply for two weeks of access. All UK academics may apply, including those from research council institutes and those with research council senior or advanced research fellowships, or their equivalent, and Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering fellowships. UK postdoctoral researchers based at universities are also eligible. Applicants must hold a position that lasts for the duration of the scheduling period. Research council grant funding is not required for direct access. Direct access proposals from applicants who already have programme access awarded as PI or co-investigator are only considered if they are for a different project. Those applying for new programme access must discuss their instrument and experimental requirements with the relevant facility director prior to submission of their grant. Successful applicants receive free access and are supported with travel, accommodation and subsistence in the UK. Access is typically provided for one to four weeks. Up to 100 weeks per year is available for Octopus and up to 60 weeks per year for Ultra.

Website: https://www.clf.stfc.ac.uk/Pages/Access-to-Octopus-and-Ultra.aspx