Proposal Process
Gain access to EMSL resources through the peer-reviewed proposal process detailed below. EMSL’s Proposal Checklist is available to help guide users through this process.
Additional Information
-
Contact an EMSL staff member (recommended)
Learn about EMSL’s Science, including research within the four Science Themes and Grand Challenges, and about EMSL’s unique and state-of-the-art Capabilities. Potential EMSL users are encouraged to contact the EMSL staff member associated with the instrument of interest to your research.
-
Submit a proposal via the EMSL User Portal
Log on to the EMSL User Portal to access the EMSL Usage System. First-time EMSL users will be directed to create a new User Account at the EMSL User Portal. From the EMSL Usage System, select "Create New Proposal."
Provide information about authors, answer a variety of questions, and select requested EMSL resources. Collecting the Required Information is helpful prior to beginning the proposal submission process.
Attach a three-page description of your research (see Proposal Guidelines for more detail), CV, and any other supplemental information that was requested by an EMSL staff member or that will strengthen your proposal to facilitate a thorough peer review.
Upon submission, you will receive confirmation and an ID number to be used for subsequent tracking of this proposal.
-
Stand by while your proposal is processed by EMSL staff
This process comprises three parts: proposal screening and review, resource allocation and scheduling, and notification to the principal investigator pending proposal approval.
Proposal screening and review
Proposals are automatically sent to staff for screening and then sent for peer review as appropriate. Screening and review generally take 7-30 days.
The screening process is to verify that:
- The proposal contains all information required for a thorough review
- EMSL has the capability or capabilities requested (i.e., instruments and staff expertise).
External peer reviewers (at least two reviewers assesses each proposal) rate proposals using five Proposal Review Criteria:
- Scientific merit and quality of the proposed research
- Relevance of the proposed research to EMSL's mission
- Impact of the proposed research on one or more of the EMSL Science Themes
- Appropriateness and reasonableness of the request for EMSL resources for the proposed research
- Potential of the proposed research to contribute significantly to highly cited publication(s).
Depending on the scope of your proposal, approval may also be required by:
- Business Office
- EMSL Safety & Health
- Environment
- Animal Care & Use
- Human Studies
- Radiological Engineer.
Resource allocation and scheduling
After the peer-review process is complete, Capability Stewards combine the review information with the resource requests to determine the number of proposals that can be supported and scheduled.
Notification to the principal investigator pending proposal approval
Users whose proposals are accepted will be notified via email from the EMSL Usage System. Notifications for proposals submitted in response to EMSL's ongoing Open Call for Proposals may take days, depending on the resource requested. Notifications for proposals submitted in response to periodic, specific Calls for Proposals may take several weeks.
A representative from EMSL contracts department may contact you with information regarding the User Agreement for you and your institution. These documents are issued by institution and need only be signed once, unless you change institution, and can be applied to any future proposals, unless your affiliation changes. Your institution may already have an agreement on file.
Please note: Access to EMSL resources may not be granted until the necessary agreements are in place.
-
Visit EMSL or arrange remote use
Upon notification, users are assigned an EMSL staff member as host. The host is responsible for coordinating users’ access to EMSL resources.
All EMSL users must be processed for access to EMSL or its resources. This process can take up to two months, and visitor badging must be arranged before a user’s arrival. Learn more about the badging process, its requirements, and other details about Visiting EMSL.
-
Close out
Prior to leaving EMSL, (a) identify and list for disposal or (b) return to your home institutions: all chemical and biological samples.
Submit a project summary and any products (e.g., publications, presentations, patents, etc.), as part of the Terms and Conditions.
