The Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is soliciting proposals for user-initiated nanoscience research that will make effective use of CNMS facilities and staff expertise. The CNMS nanoscience research program provides users with access to a broad range of capabilities for nanomaterials design, synthesis, characterization, and theory/modeling/simulation in order to carry out studies that will significantly advance our understanding of nanoscale phenomena and develop functional nanomaterials systems. Access is provided at no cost to users for research that is in the public domain and intended for publication in the open literature. Deadline for submission is Wednesday, October 20, 2010.
Scientifically high-impact proposals are sought that take advantage of any of the CNMS research capabilities listed below. In particular, prospective users are encouraged to submit proposals that utilize and exploit synergies of research capabilities in two or more of the areas listed below, and proposers of experimental nanoscience research are encouraged to request theory/modeling/simulation collaborations as appropriate. Visit the Capabilities section of the CNMS website to learn more.
The CNMS Nanofabrication Research Laboratory is a 10,000-ft2 cleanroom environment for nanoscale patterning, nanomaterials processing, and development of controlled synthesis and directed assembly methods; functional integration of soft and hard materials. Featured capabilities include E-beam lithography (20 nm linewidth), Dual-beam SEM/FIB with Raith lithography; and Advanced optical profilometry (dynamic characterization of nanoscale deformations, large area roughness and flatness anaylsis with submanometer resolution).
Guidelines for Submission of a CNMS User Research Proposal
- Content: Each user proposal must describe clearly and specifically which part of the work is to be done using CNMS facilities: What CNMS tools and expertise will be needed to carry out which steps and on what timeline? Each user proposal must also clearly define the expected outcomes from the CNMS component: What are the targets or milestones that the CNMS contribution must meet in order for the overall research project to succeed? Please keep in mind that you are proposing a specific user project; describe the overall research program only so far as is necessary to establish the context and impact of the user proposal.
See Tips for Writing a Competitive User Proposal. - Priority must be given to proposals that lie within current CNMS Capabilities. Proposals that require capabilities from more than one area are encouraged, as are requests for theory/modeling/simulation support for experimental projects.
- Proposals will be reviewed by selected members of the CNMS Proposal Review Committee (according to subject area) using evaluation criteria proposed by the IUPAP in its recommendations on the operation of user facilities. Please see the DOE NSRC Evaluation Criteria and Process and Evaluation Criteria for CNMS Research Proposals.
- Prospective users are encouraged to contact one of the staff members listed for each set of related research capabilities to discuss the suitability of any particular CNMS capability for the proposed research. General questions about the proposal process can be directed to the CNMS User Program Manager, Dr. Tony Haynes.
See Instructions for Submitting a Proposal.
