Step 1
Check the eligibility criteria
See guidance on what modes of peer-reviewed access we offer, and check whether you’re eligible.
Information for users
Step 2
Choose a laser facility
See our facilities and find staff contacts. We advise that you contact someone from the facility before submitting a proposal.
Step 3
Open call? Submit a proposal
User portalStep 4
Peer review of proposals
Approx. 6-8 Weeks
There are three Facility Access Panels (FAPs) depending which facility you have submitted to. Each panel is made up of 8 to 10 external experts.
Find out more on our governance page.
Call Closes
Safety and feasibility assessment is conducted by the facility
Proposal and assessment are submitted to the FAP
FAP reviews all documents
Users receive notification of final decision
Step 5
The facility will reach out to you
Confirm experiment dates, discuss any further requirements, and complete any necessary COSHHs or Risk Assessments.
Step 6
Complete the safety training
Complete all the safety reading and training. This is required before you arrive for your experiment.
Step 7
Get ready to visit the CLF
Book travel and accommodation, discover local amenities, and read through the arrival checklist.
We look forward to seeing you!
After your experiment
How to reimburse your expenses
We encourage you to give us feedback on your experience with us at the CLF:
Photos
Want photos taken during your experiment? Let us know and we will organise a time to come and take photos. All photos will be shared with users.
Publicity
With sufficient notification during the embargo period (when the paper is accepted is ideal), we may be able to help publish press release or a news story about your research. When we do, we always work with you and your university’s press office.
We also provide professional journal front cover illustrations, subject to the availability of our illustrator.
Need a different format?
If you cannot open or read any of the documents on this page, contact us to request a different format.
Contact the User Office