A key objective of Inspire is to enhance nanoscience research by providing open access to the equipment and expertise which has been enabled through this project.

To this end an Access programme is being developed with the aim of providing a professional and efficient means of accessing equipment and associated expertise.

Shared Access Process Flow

1. To access INSPIRE infrastructure, the Researcher should contact the Programme Manager (PM) at the institution where the equipment is located.  The Programme Manager will refer the query to the appropriate Technical Specialist.
2. The proposed work will then be discussed with the Technical Specialist.
3. A one-page Application Form will then need to be completed based on the discussion with the Technical Specialist.
4. The Technical Specialist will review the Application Form; once satisfied that the proposed work has a sound scientific rationale and is technically feasible, (s)he will cost the project and prepare a quotation.
5. A purchase order will then need to be raised and a time slot for access requested which will be scheduled by the Technical Specialist.
6. If a Researcher wishes to appeal a decision on access to infrastructure, make a complaint or offer feedback, they should contact the Programme Manager at their own institution.
a. The PM should first liaise with his counterpart at the host institution to address the issue
b. The issue, or agreed resolution, should be reported to the INSPIRE executive committee.

NOTES

Researchers are encouraged to discuss their requirements with the Programme Managers and Technical Specialists early on.  This will help identify and resolve issues with the proposed work before completing the Application Form.
Researchers are encouraged to conduct short feasibility studies first, developing these into larger projects once the rationale has been proven.
Requests for access should be handled in a timely manner.  Following the submission of an Application Form, the applicant should receive acknowledgement within 1 week, should know if approved within 4 weeks and should have a date on tool for 6-8 weeks after original application date.
Each host institution will implement its own fees, schedule access and provide appropriate technical support to visiting researchers according to local procedures.  The conditions for access to infrastructure and rates payable should be agreed between the Researcher and Host Institution before access to infrastructure is provided.
Joint publication between Researchers availing of access to infrastructure through INSPIRE and the host institution’s Technical Specialists is expected.  All academic publications facilitated through INSPIRE should carry the following standard acknowledgement:
"This work was conducted under the framework of the INSPIRE programme, funded by the Irish Government's Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions, Cycle 4, National Development Plan 2007-2013"

PRICES

Individual Equipment Prices will follow shortly