Call for proposals: deadline 27 April 2007

The two powder diffractometers ECHIDNA (high-resolution powder diffractometer) and WOMBAT (high-intensity powder diffractometer) have now successfully taken their first diffraction patterns. Therefore, we have opened our call for proposals for these instruments.

Proposals should be submitted using a neutron-beam application form - download from http://www.ansto.gov.au/ansto/bragg/news/index.html. Unfortunately, our new on-line proposal system is not yet available for multi-user access. During its test phase we have experienced problems in the operation of the new on-line system, to the point that we have decided for now to use the form previously used for HIFAR proposals, but updated for OPAL. Completed proposals should be submitted electronically by emailing to bragg_user_office@ansto.gov.au by 27 April 2007. Please note that this form (word file) does not support special characters.

The application is for beam-time requests and does not automatically include travel or accommodation support. However, successful applications from researchers from AINSE member institutions (see http://www.ansto.gov.au/ainse/memuni.html for AINSE member institutions) will automatically be forwarded to AINSE for consideration of travel/accommodation support. The form should be completed with the Hide/Show button ( ¶ ) turned off as sections that are not relevant are hidden. When printing "Print Hidden Text" box should not be enabled. 

27 April:                  Deadline for proposals;

May                        Electronic review of proposals by up to 5 expert reviewers;

31 May:                   First meeting of the Program Advisory Committee (proposal assessment);

August/September: Scheduling of first beam-time allocations (subject to issue of instrument operating licensing by ARPANSA). Initial scheduling will likely be fairly "loose", with ~50% of the beam time made available for the formal user programme.