Calls for access, otherwise known as "application rounds", are run quarterly on a rolling basis. The access scheme is due to come to an end in 2023.
The fifth access application round is now open, with a closing date of 31st August 2021. This fifth call covers access commencing during the period October - December 2021 inclusive (or, in the case of NNL's facilities, and DCF's ion accelerator systems, access commencing during the period October 2021 - March 2022 inclusive). Given national COVID-19 control measures (to which the facilities will be responding as appropriate as they evolve), many of the facilities accepting applications for this call will be able to facilitate "remote" access, with facility scientists conducting experiments on behalf of externals. Please get in touch with the contact listed on each facility's page, to find out more.
As explained in the application form and the rules for submission, it is expected that all NNUF access scheme funded work will be completed within 6 months of the date of award (excepting cases where equipment failure delays access, or in the case of e.g. NNL, within 6 months of security clearance having been granted by the facility if required). If you have a compelling reason to request acccess for a future date (for example to enable time for sample preparation), there will be an opportunity to specify this in the application form.
