The duration of a programme will be between 1 and 3 years, and the experimental work will be scheduled in 6 monthly periods. As such, at each call for applications (i.e. every 6 months), any newly submitted or previously approved Programmes will also need to submit a shorter case for each facility detailing the experimental work, technical requirements, consumables, etc. that are required in that period.

How to apply for a New Programme

Applying for new programme involves two major steps: the submission of a stand-alone supporting case for the full Programme and the submission of a shorter case detailing the work planned in the initial period of access. New Programme applicants are also requested to attend the Facility Access Panel meeting to give a short (up to 10 minute) presentation on the proposed work, and to answer questions from the panel. If you are unable to attend in person, we will endeavour to arrange a video link.

The main supporting case should be no longer than 6-sides of A4 and should include a scientific case with:

• Introduction
• Background, including:
  
  • Alignment to STFC/RCUK strategy
  • Current level of understanding in the field
  • Preliminary supporting results
• Objectives of programme, including:
  
  • Technical requirements
  • Specification of laser systems
• Proposed timescale of access for Programme lifetime
• Summary
• References

Submit the main case using the CLF online proposal system (link opens in a new window). On the home page click the 'LSF New Programme' button and provide the information requested at each step. Note that if a programme will involve access to both FBI and MSD facilities this can be specified at step #1. The total duration of the project and the total number of weeks access requested for each facility over the entire programme duration must be specified at step #1.

If the new programme requires access to the FBI and/or MSD in the upcoming access period, a short 2-side case detailing the work to be performed must also be submitted for each required facility. For each facility required (MSD/FBI) submit a proposal via the CLF online proposal system (link opens in a new window) as follows. On the home page click on the 'LSF' button and enter the information requested at each step. At step #3 select the 'Programme Submitted' access route. You will then be able to search for and select the main programme case just submitted above. At step #3 please specify the number of weeks requested for the upcoming access period only. The 2-side (A4) case must be uploaded. It is expected that this will be largely copied from the text of the original programme application.

How to apply for time as part of an Approved Programme

Users requesting time in this period as part of a previously approved Programme should provide a short continuation application case (up to 3 A4 pages including figures and references) including:

• A summary (1 A4 page) of progress to date (where time has already been used)
• A detailed set of objectives for this period referring to their original proposal including any changes to the original Programme clearly highlighted (2 A4 pages)

The progress report and plans should be explained clearly in the context of the original Programme proposal. Applicants should state clearly in the proposal the period on which they are reporting. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all technical requirements specified in the online system are fully up-to-date, including laser systems and specifications, time required and excluded dates.

Please note that the review panel will have access to copies of the original Programme proposal.

Apply using the CLF online proposal system (link opens in a new window). On the home page click on the 'LSF' button and enter the information requested at each step. At step #3 select the 'Programme Approved' access route. You will then be able to search for and select the original approved main programme case. If access to both FBI and MSD is required as part of the programme a 'Programme Approved' application should be submitted for each facility.