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Modes of Access

Participating Research Teams (PRTs)

In addition to facility beamlines constructed by the NSLS, a large number of beamlines are designed and instrumented by Participating Research Teams (PRTs). Membership in a PRT is open to all members of the scientific community who can contribute significantly to the PRT's program (i.e., funding, contribution of equipment, scientific program, design and engineering, operations manpower, etc.). PRTs design, construct and maintain beamlines and carry out the day-to-day activities of managing a beamline at the NSLS.

PRTs are obligated to provide at least 25% of the available beam time for use by General Users. In exchange, the PRT has complete control over the beamline and manages its scientific program for up to 75% of the remaining available beam time for a period of up to three years with the possibility of renewal.

Forming a Participating Research Team

Individuals or groups interested in forming a PRT should first contact the Chair of the NSLS to determine the feasibility of the program.

If the program is feasible, then a PRT Proposal should be submitted to NSLS User Administration for review by the NSLS Chair. The proposal will be evaluated on the basis of its importance to the NSLS mission and the availability of a beamline or space to construct a beamline. The decision by the NSLS to establish an Agreement with a PRT and the terms of the Agreement are subject to approval by the NSLS Science Advisory Committee (SAC). PRT Proposals may be submitted at any time. The proposal should be submitted in MS Word or Adobe Acrobat (portable document format) and should not exceed ten (10) pages in length. The information that should be included in the proposal is described below:

Required Content of a Participating Research Team Proposal

A PRT Proposal should include the following information:

1.   Participating Research Team

  • Names of the scientific, professional, and technical personnel groups or institutions who request consideration as a PRT
  • The fraction of time each person will be committed to physically working at the beamline
  • Name of the specified spokesperson for the PRT
  • Names of all individual PRT members who would utilize the beam time award
  • Contact information (name, title, affiliation, address, phone and fax numbers, and email addresses) for all persons listed above
  • Brief description of the relevant scientific and technical experience for each team member
  • Capability of the experimental group
  • Curricula vitae should be included for those people having major responsibilities for the beamline

2.   Proposed Program and Scientific Case

Provide a complete description of the proposed program, to include the following:

  • Goals and objectives
  • Scientific merit
  • Synchrotron techniques to be used and why a synchrotron is necessary to the proposed program
  • Technical feasibility
  • List of the equipment necessary to carry out the proposed program
  • Specify what is unique about the program 
  • Describe what aspects of this program should warrant consideration as a PRT proposal rather than applying for beam time under GU proposals

3.   Proposed Benefits and Impacts

In this section, clearly describe how the scientific community and the NSLS will benefit. Include the following:

  • Describe the nature of the proposed benefit and/or contribution to the NSLS and the scientific community
  • Describe the relationship to existing facilities and any anticipated enhancement of these facilities or new capabilities that will be enabled
  • Describe the impacts, both positive and negative, to the NSLS, existing facilities at the NSLS, other science at the NSLS, and the scientific community as a whole

4.   Beamline End Station and/or Instrumentation

Describe any existing and planned end station, instrumentation and/or capability. Include the following:

  • Designs of any existing or planned end station and instrumentation
  • Schedule for completion of the beamline and/or instrumentation
  • How the new instrumentation will be maintained in good operating condition
  • How the general user usage of the new instrumentation will be supported during the term of the Agreement

5.   Proposal Term

Provide the following:

  • The approximate number of days necessary to carry out the program in each cycle
  • The number of years necessary to complete the program (up to a maximum of three years)

6.   Funding

Provide the following:

  • Budget for any work to be performed at the beamline or for upgrading or installation of instrumentation
  • Written commitment from funding sources to upgrade, construct or install beamline end station equipment or instrumentation
  • Anticipated funding sources and funding levels for operations for the number of years requested 

Proposal Submission

Written proposals to form a PRT should be submitted to NSLS User Administration for review by the NSLS Chair and submission to the Science Advisory Committee.

Proposal Acceptance

The PI will be notified in writing after a determination by the Science Advisory Committee to accept or reject the proposal is made.

Other Requirements

  • PRT Memorandum of Understanding and NSLS Agreement
    If the PRT Proposal is accepted, NSLS User Administration will contact the PI to complete a PRT Memorandum of Understanding and a NSLS Agreement for PRTs. The MOU is among the members of the PRT describing the contributions and responsibilities of each institutional member. The NSLS agreement is between the NSLS and the PRT to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of both parties regarding funding, staffing, and allocation of beamtime. The signed MOU and Agreement must be accepted by the NSLS Chair prior to the start of operations.
  • Laboratory Space
    Generally, each beamline has a laboratory/set up space. Contact the Building Manager for review of space allocation and any further requirements.

Renewal

At the expiration of their allotted term, PRTs will be notified by NSLS User Administration to make a formal presentation to the Science Advisory Committee to request renewal. A new Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement will be required following renewal. NSLS User Administration will contact the PI to complete these documents.

Beam Time

PRTs manage their scientific program and allocate and schedule beam time among their members.

 

Users' Reference Guide