Calls for access

Calls for access, otherwise known as "application rounds", are run quarterly on a rolling basis. The access scheme is currently due to come to an end in early 2024. (Applications for modest amounts of funding can be submitted at any time via our "rapid turnaround" scheme, and will be evaluated swiftly).

The 12th access application round (to cover access commencing primarily in the period July - September 2023) will open in April 2023. Many of the facilities accepting applications for this call are able to facilitate both "in-person" and "remote" access (i.e. 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 most 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 access for a future date (for example to enable time for sample preparation), or to request access for an experiment of more than 6 months in length, there will be an opportunity to specify this in the application form - as long as your proposed experiment ends by early 2024.

We actively encourage a range of applications, from shorter "proof of principle" experiments (which have the potential to lead on to more substantial work) to projects which are ambitious in their own right.

In response to user feedback we have expanded the timescale for NNUF experiments - we can accept applications for experiments of up to 6 months' duration. If you would like to apply for an experiment of 4-6 months in duration, please identify the quarter in which you would like your experiment to start, and apply to the appropriate call (e.g. if you would like your experiment to start in the July - September 2023 quarter, please apply to call 12). There will be an opportunity within the application form to specify the duration of your proposed experiment. You will not need to reapply to the next call in order to continue your experiment into the next quarter - experimental time spanning two quarters will be awarded up-front if your application is successful.

We also welcome applications from repeat applicants - if you have commenced/completed one NNUF-funded experiment and would like to apply for further NNUF-funded time (either at the same facility/ies or different facility/ies) please do so.