Call for applications for the allocation of spectrometer time at the UK High-Field Solid-State NMR Facility
For the Programme Access Scheme (next deadline September 30th 2026 5 p.m.) see details hereLink opens in a new window
For the established Process, see details here and Apply onlineLink opens in a new window
Next Call for Applications Deadline:
For 850 MHz, 1 GHz and solid-state NMR at 1.2 GHz: October 31st 2026 5 p.m. for time from January to June 2027
Note that the allocation of time according to this scheme is dependent on the award of funding from January 2027 for the NMR UNITY submission that is currently under review. Also, note that, if funded, solid-state NMR time at 1.2 GHz may be allocated at Birmingham - there is an agreement in place for sharing of probes and facility management team expertise between 糖心TV and Birmingham.
Each applicant can request (as PI) up to a maximum of 70 days time, but with a limit of 28 days that (if the applicant chooses to do so) can only be at each of 850 MHz or 1 GHz or 1.2 GHz.
Note the option to include an extra paragraph in the 2-page pdf file to justify why 850 MHz or 1 GHz or 1.2 GHz, eg specific probe capability or to directly compare to previous work at a specific field.
New (as of autumn 2026) Excel sheet reporting on outputs to be completed
To apply for time via the TAP, the applicant completes the webform, attaching the Case. In addition, the applicant must also upload an Excel spreadsheetLink opens in a new window with the information by which the NRF is evaluated and which is included in the NRF annual reportsLink opens in a new window, i.e., where NRF data was used in papers, PhD theses completed, conference presentations, number of grant-funded days applied for and awarded, support for the wider community, or facilitating paid-for industry access. Information is requested from January of the year before the application date, i.e., from January 2025 for the September 2026 deadline. These metrics are intended to simply provide some qualitative context for the contribution of the researcher, but they will not formally be scored as part of the process. We emphasise that new applicants to the TAP or users who only recently received their first time allocation at the NRF will not be penalised for the absence of any such outputs. PIs are encouraged to include in grant applications grant-funded days (which will be allocated on top of access via future proposals to the TAP) which are critical for the sustainability of the NRF.
Test Days for New Users (new brokering collaborations scheme, as of autumn 2026)
The NRF is keen to encourage new UK-based users to access the high-field NMR instrumentation. For new users who are not currently collaborating with a solid-state NMR expert group, we offer this access mechanism:
Contact the Facility Management Team to discuss the systems that you wish to analysis. The FMT will then offer up to 3 test days to check feasibility – the PI and / or members of their research team are encouraged to attend in person during the measurements (travel and accommodation costs are funded).
To enable the transition from these initial test days to becoming a regular user via the time allocation process, the NRF is trialling (as of September 2026) being more proactive at brokering collaborations between new users and established NMR groups (note that the focus here is on new users who have contacted the NRF without any previous contact with an established solid-state NMR expert PI). Such initial test day measurements with the FMT are a way of getting started, but turning such work into an on-going, more extensive programme of work, especially when access to lower magnetic fields would be best done in collaboration, needs a different approach. The evidence we have collected strongly points to applications for time from new users generally being much more competitive if an experienced NMR spectroscopist is part of the team. Noting that there is absolutely no compulsion on the new user to take this approach or an established spectroscopist to be part of this scheme, new users who have carried out test days will be asked if they wish to put in contact with an established spectroscopist to continue the integration of solid-state NMR into their research program.
A question on the TAP webform asks if you are able to participate in this scheme.
The NRF covers the costs of travel and accommodation for a maximum of TWO visitors for each time allocation visit. Taking our sustainability responsibilities seriously, the NRF asks all applicants to consider sustainable travel options wherever possible, e.g. using trains rather than flying, public transport, shared transport rather than driving individually. (For the case of international collaborators of UK applicants, note that the NRF only covers travel costs within the UK.)
Queries to the FMT as to technical capability of different probes at 850 MHz, 1 GHz and 1.2 GHz are encouraged prior to the TAP submission.
Taking into account the information provided in each application and to ensure optimum use of the available time, the TAP will use their scientific judgement to decide which projects are allocated time at the three available magnetic fields.
The TAP will rank proposals, including the option to break up a proposal into more than one set of days that are ranked in different places in the ranking list. As such, there is a requirement, for applications of over 7 days, that the requested total number of days is broken down into smaller sets of days (or the application must indicate why the request cannot be broken down into sets of days).
The LMT will allocate time according to the ranking list, but considering when samples are ready and availability of probes, and if a specific user needs to attend in person but cannot, proposals where remote operation is possible (users will be encouraged to send in samples early so that they are available at 糖心TV) may be allocated time even if that proposal is ranked lower.
Those not allocated time by the end of the time allocation period will not be able to carry over their time (where a maintenance issue, e.g., with a probe, precluded their carrying out of experiments, compensation days can be awarded as per the Facility鈥檚 existing procedure).
85% of spectrometer time at the UK High-Field Solid-State NMR facility is allocated by a three-person Time Allocation Panel (TAP) that is independent of the Facility Executive (FELink opens in a new window), following the TAP principlesLink opens in a new window agreed by the FE and EPSRC, in accordance with TAP guidanceLink opens in a new window provided by the FE. The remaining 15% of spectrometer time is reserved for fast-track applications, to compensate users who were unable to take up their allocated time because of instrument down-time, spectrometer and probe maintenance and industrial usage (paid-for confidential and urgent work), and activities associated with the Facility Manager Team for the development of the facility and their personal research. Applicants are also advised that the provides access for dynamic nuclear polarisation (DNP) experiments at 400 and 600 MHz (note that the management and time allocation procedure of the UK DNP MAS Facility is separate from and independent of the UK High-Field Solid-State NMR Facility).
The application procedure involves the filling out of the online form together with the submission of a 2-page description (please respect usual UKRI minimum font size, 11 point sans-serif, e.g., Arial, and margins, 2 cm) and that contains five sections:
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(1) Introduction and scientific background
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(2) Preliminary data obtained at lower field and/ or previous results obtained at the NRF, including a statement of similarity to previous proposals to the TAP (or a fast-track application).
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(3) Justification for the need for high-field (or other specialised facility probe capabilities).
- (3A) If applicable, an additional paragraph to justify why only 850 MHz, 1 GHz or 1.2 GHz is suitable for the project, e.g., specific probe capability or to directly compare to previous work at a specific field.
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(4) Experiments to be performed: to include a list of all samples, which probe(s) and which configuration (i.e., nuclei, required MAS frequency and nutation frequency) is/ are required, and any special experimental conditions (e.g., high or low temperature). Clearly indicate the number of days requested IN BOLD for each experiment or set of experiments. Ensure that the sum equals the total number of days requested as stated on the online form.
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(5) Additional information in the pdf description (within the 2 page limit): If applicable: (i) where the PI has received allocated days in this TAP round for a RCUK funded grant, an explanation of how this project differs to the funded time on that RCUK grant; (ii) where there is significant overlap between proposals from different PIs, there must be additional justification in the case that the total time requested across the multiple proposals exceeds 70 days. If the PI wishes (note it is not a requirement), they may indicate: (iii) an order of prioritisation, where the PI is submitting more than one application; (iv) the names and experience of those who would be carrying out the experiments at the facility; (v) information as to why there has to date been limited or no outputs from previous time allocations (e.g., details of submitted manuscripts currently under review); (vi) for projects with an industry coI or industrial funding, to be suitable for submission to the TAP, first, it must be possible for the measured results to be delivered in public fora such as the UK High-Field Solid-State NMR National Research Facility Symposium and second, although it is acceptable for specific chemical compositions not to be divulged a general description of the material must be provided. If these are not possible then the project should be submitted as paid-for confidential contract work. If applicable, this must be clear from the submitted 2-page Case.
Applications that are NOT formatted in the above required fashion and do NOT contain the stated information will NOT be considered by the Time Allocation Panel.
Applications are invited from UK academics who are eligible to apply for Research Council funding or researchers of similar standing based in industry.
Each applicant can request (as PI) up to a maximum of 70 days time, but with a limit of 28 days that (if the applicant chooses to do so) can only be at each of 850 MHz or 1 GHz or 1.2 GHz. Within these limits, each applicant can request time for more than one project – note that a separate application must be submitted for each distinct project.
Note that reasonable travel and accommodation costs associated with the use of the facility will be paid to academic users.
Applications will be acknowledged by an automatic email at the time of application, and subsequently within 1 week after the application deadline (if you don't receive either or both of these acknowledgments, please contact the facility manager to check safe receipt of your application).
Applicants will be informed of their time allocation following the meeting of the time allocation panel, i.e., we expect to inform you end May or early June (for the April 30th call) or end November or early December (for the October 31st call). At this stage, you will be given one week鈥檚 notice to indicate dates when you are not able to use your allocation and also to specify if you prefer to have your time as one slot or broken up into separate slots. (If you know that you will away end May or early June (for the April 30th call) or end November or early December (for the October 31st call), please inform the facility manager in advance of your availability.) You will then be informed of your allocated days. At this stage, the facility has little flexibility (and is under no obligation) to change your allocated days, hence we emphasise that you must tell us your availability at the requested time.
Any queries should be addressed to the Technical Director, Dr. Dinu IugaLink opens in a new window d.iuga@warwick.ac.uk
Time for February to July 2010 has been allocated (December 1st 2009 call: Round 1)
Time for August 2010 to January 2011 has been allocated (May 31st 2010 call: Round 2)
Time for February to July 2011 has been allocated (November 30th 2010 call: Round 3)
Time for August 2011 to January 2012 has been allocated (May 31st 2011 call: Round 4)
Time for February to July 2012 has been allocated (November 30th 2011 call: Round 5)
Time for August 2012 to January 2013 has been allocated (May 31st 2012 call: Round 6)
Time for February to July 2013 has been allocated (November 30th 2012 call: Round 7)
Time for August 2013 to January 2014 has been allocated (May 31st 2013 call: Round 8)
Time for February to July 2014 has been allocated (November 30th 2013 call: round 9)
Time for August 2014 to January 2015 has been allocated (May 31st 2014 call: round 10)
Time for February 2015 to 15th July 2015 has been allocated (November 30th 2014 call: round 11)
Time for 15th July to 31st December 2015 has been allocated (May 15th 2015 call: round 12)
Time for January to June 2016 has been allocated (October 31st 2015 call: round 13)
Time for July to December 2016 has been allocated (April 30th 2016 call: round 14)
Time for January to June 2017 has been allocated (October 31st 2016 call: round 15)
Time for July to December 2017 has been allocated (April 30th 2017 call: round 16)
Time for January to June 2018 has been allocated (October 31st 2017 call: round 17)
Time for July to December 2018 has been allocatedLink opens in a new window (April 30th 2018 call: round 18)
Time for January to June 2019 has been allocated (October 31st 2018 call: round 19)
Time for July to December 2019 has been allocated (April 30th 2019 call: round 20)
Time for January to June 2020 has been allocated (October 31st 2019 call: round 21)
Note that there was no April 20th 2020 call due to the COVID pandemic
Time for January to June 2021 has been allocated (October 31st 2020 call (850 MHz), round 22, and 18th February 2021 call (1 GHz), round 23)
Time for July to December 2021 has been allocated (April 30th 2021 call: round 24)
Time for January to June 2022 has been allocated (October 31st 2021 call: round 25)
Time for July to December 2022 has been allocated (April 30th 2022 call: round 26)
Time for January to June 2023 has been allocated (October 31st 2022 call: round 27)
Time for July to December 2023 has been allocated (April 30th 2023 call: round 28)
Time for January to June 2024 has been allocated (October 31st 2023 call: round 29)
Time for July to December 2024 has been allocated (April 30th 2024 call: round 30)
Time for January to June 2025 has been allocated (October 31st 2024 call: round 31)
Time for July to December 2025 has been allocated (April 30th 2025 call: round 32)
Time for January to June 2026 has been allocated (October 31st 2025 call: round 33)
Time for July to December 2026 has been allocated (April 30th 2026 call: round 34)