Answers

Who are the stakeholders?

BBSRC, Diamond Light Source, EPSRC, MRC, NERC, STFC. back to top

I'm a university researcher, what opportunities are there for me in RCaH?

The opportunity to develop and/or take advantage of specialised lab facilities near Diamond/ISIS/LSF to enable new/better/faster experiments with the beamtime.  The possibilityof taking a period away from admin and teaching duties (since PI salary could be covered by grant schemes) to concentrate on research in a strongly multidisciplinary environment develop new ideas and alliances. Please see the pages for the appropriate research council under Access and Funding.. back to top

I'm a Diamond staff researcher, what opportunities are there for me in RCaH?

The Diamond stake gives the opportunity for Diamond staff to develop their research using RCaH facilities. Please see the pages for Diamond under Access and Funding. back to top

I'm an STFC staff researcher, what opportunities are there for me in RCaH?

The STFC stake gives the opportunity for STFC staff to develop their research using RCaH facilities. Please see the pages for STFC under Access and Funding. back to top

Do I need to have a grant from one of the stakeholders to qualify for access to RCaH?

Normally yes, but users with time on Diamond or ISIS/LSF could qualify for support from Diamond or STFC as stakeholders. back to top

Is it possible to access RCaH as a component of a normal responsive mode grant award (i.e. not awarded under a specific RCaH programme call)?

Yes, in principle a normal responsive mode grant can contain a component to be carried out in RCaH, and the PI salary can be funded under FEC to allow him/her to spend time in RCaH. Prospective users are encouraged to think of what their ideal programme would be (up to and including moving the entire research group and PI into RCaH for an extended period) and discuss it with the Director and the relevant programme manager at the appropriate research council. Please see the pages for the research council concerned under Access and Funding. . back to top

Is it possible to access RCaH as a user of RAL major facilities in the absence of a grant award from a stakeholder?

Yes, in principle, access to RCaH could be arranged in connection with facility access time. This would be considered as part of the STFC (for ISIS, CLF etc.) or Diamond stake in RCaH, so would be subject to agreement from the stakeholder. Please see the pages for Diamond or STFC under Access and Funding. back to top

What equipment will be provided and what would I need to bring with me?

RCaH will have well-found laboratories, with basic equipment provided that will be useful to a wide range of users. There will be a few larger pieces of equipment, such as transmission and scanning electron microscopes, 400MHz NMR, mass spectrometer and an analytical ultracentrifuge, as well as specialized equipment in the OPPF-UK and LSF. Users will, however, need to supply equipment that is specific to a particular project. Further details on communal equipment are available in the Facilities pagesback to top

Are consumables provided by RCaH?

RCaH will provide a basic level of basic consumables likely to be needed by a wide range of users. Details are available from the Operations Manager.back to top

What are the basic criteria for access to RCaH?

The basic criteria for access to RCaH are an outstanding research proposal and support for this from one or more stakeholder. Please see the pages for the appropriate research council under Access and Funding. back to top

Who do I contact for information?

You may contact either the Director, or the programme manager at the funding agency for further information on access to RCaH. Before doing this, please see the pages for the appropriate research council under Access and Funding. Information on the precise facilities available can be obtained from the Operations Manager, but please read the Facilities pages first.back to top

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