General Users

The APS makes beamtime available to the international scientific community through the General User Program. Proposals are submitted, reviewed, and allocated time through a centralized, Web-based process. Requests are typically considered three times a year (roughly in March, July, and October), prior to each APS run cycle. Options are also available for access on short notice. Proposals are peer-reviewed and rated, and beam time is allocated on the basis of these reviews by one of two Beam Time Allocation Committees. Once time has been allocated, the beamline staff schedule the proposals. For details, see the User Policies and Procedures page.

Tips & Instructions

• First-time proposers: You must register as a user and receive a badge number before submitting a proposal.
• How to Wow! "Secrets" for a Successful Proposal
  Tips to help your proposal stand out from the crowd in the review process.
• What Not To Do
  Explanations of some of the most common mistakes on proposals and how to avoid them.
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  Answers to some of the most common questions about the proposal process and the online proposal system for General Users.
• User Access Myths Debunked
  Common myths about getting on site and working at APS--don't let these trip you up!

Proposal System

• Proposal System Login
  Link to the Beam Time Access System: create, edit, and view proposals, request additional time on existing proposals.
• Calendars
  Proposal submission deadlines, run start and end dates, dates of review and allocation meetings.
• Instructions
  Instructions for using the online proposal system, with tips and troubleshooting advice.
• Blank Proposal Forms
  Two samples, one for macromolecular crystallography (second sample) and one for all other science.
  

Review & Allocation

• Policy and Procedure
  Full details of the General User Program.
• Review Criteria
  Criteria on which proposal scores are based.
• Proposal Review Panels (PRPs)
  These committees meet once each proposal cycle to review proposals.
• Beam Time Allocation Committees (BACs)
  These committees meet once each proposal cycle to assign proposals to beamlines.