Note: This page was translated by AI from the Japanese original. In case of any discrepancy, the Japanese version shall prevail.
Original post date (Japanese version): April 12, 2022
To all users,
Thank you for your continued use of the Division of Analytical Electron Microscopy. As noted recently in the “Policy Considerations Regarding Equipment Usage”, we mentioned the “Advanced User ‘Slot’ (Provisional Title)”. Since we received inquiries about which specific users and which equipment this “Advanced User ‘Slot'” targets, we will present our division’s current stance (as of 2022/04/12).
This page focuses on equipment into which commissioned project funds from the MEXT Nanotechnology Platform Project (concluded) and the MEXT Advanced Research Infrastructure for Materials Project have been invested.
For general use of the applicable equipment, please see the website of the Tohoku University Center of Innovative Nanotechnology Support (CINTS).
http://www.cints.tohoku.ac.jp
Definition of an Advanced User (Provisional Name)
A user of the equipment managed by our division who possesses sufficient operational and management skills for the relevant equipment, thoroughly understands the operational system, and can execute the necessary tasks. In other words, a user who does not require assistance or support from our division’s staff for the use and operation of the relevant equipment, and must be certified by our division.
Definition of the Advanced User “Slot”
Among the equipment managed by our division, those into which commissioned funds were invested for their introduction or operation (specifically, aberration-corrected electron microscopes, FIB, etc.), which are used within the Independent Project Slot where the usage category does not fall under “Non-disclosed Projects,” and are used by advanced users affiliated with our university.
Background and Objectives for Establishing the Advanced User “Slot”
- Because the introduction and operation of advanced experimental equipment incur large costs, it is difficult for this university and this institute alone to establish them, so we are forced to rely on commissioned funds from external projects, and consequently, usage for users and research topics aligned with the project’s objectives is prioritized.
- In the current financial situation, the appropriate distribution of the independent project slot, where the purpose of use is not restricted, is important to provide the best research infrastructure.
- Setting up a usage slot with relatively low fees specifically for advanced users is expected to motivate users to acquire techniques.
- An increase in the number of advanced users will facilitate the passing on of applied techniques and peripheral knowledge, leading to the expansion of human research infrastructure at this university and this institute.
- An increase in advanced users reduces the workload of support staff, allowing resources to be secured for expanding new areas of support.
Characteristics of the Advanced User “Slot”
- No need to submit a usage report.
- No need for data sharing.
- Direct usage by the user.
- Technical support cannot be used.
(The user must be able to independently handle everything from equipment use to data utilization.) - Follows the Analytical Research Core for Advanced Materials (ARCAM) accepted project policies (disclosure is required).
- Fee A applies.
- Can be used on holidays and at night.
Certification of Advanced Users
Certification of advanced users is conducted by our division. Specifically, it is determined by the judgment of the administrator of each piece of equipment, but generally the following conditions are required.
- Ability to use the relevant equipment independently.
- Ability to perform daily management of the relevant equipment.
- Example: Starting and stopping the equipment, replenishing cryogen.
- Ability to take appropriate action during minor troubles.
- Example: Rebooting the PC.
Restrictions and Usage Conditions of the Advanced User “Slot”
Since there is an upper limit set for the percentage of operating time allocated to the independent project slot, not all equipment usage by advanced users will necessarily qualify for the advanced user slot. The details are under consideration, but the following restrictions apply.
- Number of days in the slot
- Approximately 1 to 2 days per week overall. (Maximum 40% of operating time)
- Average of 1 to 2 days per month per user laboratory, rather than per individual slot user.
- Daytime hours on weekdays prioritize disclosed projects.
- Use during the night and on holidays is permitted.
- If there is little usage in the disclosed project slot, the use of the advanced user slot may be restricted.
Requests to Those Wishing to Use the Advanced User “Slot”
- Because the number of available days fluctuates monthly, please also apply for use under the CINTS disclosed project slot.
About Training
- Please consult with the person in charge of the equipment regarding the training necessary for certification as an advanced user.
- We are considering establishing a regular training program, but due to countermeasures against the novel coronavirus infection, for the time being, we will judge based on the certification of existing proficient users and the implementation status of independent training within individual laboratories.
*This post was created by an AI agent.