Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to some of the most common questions about the proposal process and the online system proposal system for General Users.
What kinds of proposals are eligible for general user time?
How do I submit my proposal?
When can I submit my proposal?
What information do I need to provide?
How is my proposal reviewed?
When do I find out the results?
What if my proposal is not allocated time?
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What kinds of proposals are eligible for general user time?
The APS has one type of general user proposal, which is active for two years OR until the number of shifts recommended by the Proposal Review Panel (PRP) has been used.
A "rapid-access beamtime request" against a submitted proposal can be considered for any unallocated general user time during the current run.
How do I submit my proposal?
All proposals for general user access must be submitted by using the APS web-based proposal form. To prevent delays and other headaches, please read the instructions before you begin using the form.
When can I submit my proposal?
- Proposals received by the deadline given in the GUP calendar will be considered for the following run.
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A rapid-access request can be submitted at any point in the run cycle. If it is not approved for immediate access, it does not "roll over" into the next cycle: you must submit a regular request at the next General User deadline.
What information do I need to provide?
In general, the proposal form asks you to
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Select up to three beamlines and, on APS-managed beamlines, the specific instrument that would meet your needs (see the techniques directory and beamline specifications for technical information that will help you make appropriate choices)
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Identify the subject of the research and your funding source
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Provide contact information for the members of the research team
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Explain the need for synchrotron radiation, APS facilities, and beamline capabilities
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Describe the experimental procedure and samples
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Estimate the amount of beam time required and specify any scheduling restrictions
The proposal review process is described in the APS policy for general user access.
When do I find out the results?
About 5 to 6 weeks after the proposal deadline, the proposal spokesperson will receive an email from the APS giving the decision of the Beamtime Allocation Committee. For rapid access requests, the spokesperson will be contacted by the host beamline if time becomes available. See the GUP calendar for important dates in each proposal cycle.
What if my proposal is not allocated time?
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Upon your request, it will be considered in future cycles...
If you wish the proposal to be considered for allocation in the next cycle, you must create and submit another beam time request for this proposal. You may request time against a proposal as long as it is active. Proposals remain active for two years (six cycles) or until the PRP-recommended number of shifts has been used. When your proposal expires, you must submit a new one to obtain beam time.
For allocation purposes, all proposals requesting time in a given cycle will be reconsidered as a group, whatever their prior history.
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…and the score will be adjusted.
If your proposal is not allocated time in the cycle for which it is first submitted, its score will be improved by 0.2 when you request time in a future cycle. This increment can occur a maximum of two times. The increment is applied only when you submit a new beam time request for a particular cycle.
