Materials Research Laboratory
Central Facilities - Becoming a User
Becoming a User
The FS-MRL Central Facilities operate as user facilities, that is, the preferred mode of operation is self-use
after completing the necessary training. In certain cases when advanced characterization is required or if the
project is short-term, facility staff can perform the analysis/processing of samples for users.
Researchers, who are not from the University of Illinois, are required to sign a facility use agreement for
self-use and a technical testing agreement for sample analysis by staff. Everyone is required to submit a
proposal.
Click to view the fee structure
3-Step Guide for University of Illinois Users (includes UIUC, UIS, & UIC)
Step 1
Complete the FSMRL Central Facilities Use Proposal Electronic Form by clicking on the link below, to generate a new proposal. We recommend that the student or post-doctoral researcher (principal user) fill out and submit the proposal.
The suggested process is that you use the
FSMRL Central Facility Use Proposal Form (.pdf) to gather the needed information prior to attempting
to fill out the electronic form. It is strongly recommended that students review the information with their advisor
prior to submitting the electronic form. Submission of the electronic form is required. Paper copies will not be
accepted.
Please do not use your browser's back button while filling out the electronic form,
this may cause your submission to fail. Also, we suggest you use cut and paste from a local text editor to enter
answers to questions in the proposal form. This will save you from re-typing the answers in the unlikely event of
an error in your submission. Please, follow the instructions carefully and provide the information as requested.
** FSMRL Central Facility Use Proposal Electronic Form
and Submission **
For additional information on the proposal process or status contact:
Ramona Simpson
Room 2015
Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory, MC- 230
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
104 S. Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801-2985
Tel.: (217) 333-1370
Fax: (217) 244-2278
Email: simpson@mrl.uiuc.edu
Step 2
When received, the Proposal will be routed to the Director of Central Facilities for an initial review.
If all of the information is complete, the Director will forward it to the Facility Advisory Committee.
Upon approval of the Advisory Committee, the Proposal will be accepted. The researcher will then be notified,
and the visit will be scheduled. Time required for the approval process varies
and is usually 2-4 weeks; each proposal is unique and must be carefully evaluated.
Step 3
Users need to familiarize themselves with the University health and safety
regulations prior to using the facility. All users will be required to complete University
of Illinois general laboratory safety training. In addition during training, instrument specific
safety instructions will be given.