ALLOCATION OF BEAM TIME FOR MACROMOLECULAR CRYSTALLOGRAPHY

Macromolecular crystallography (MX) underpins much of modern molecular biology and represents over 80% of the activity in the area of the Life Sciences at ESRF. The current facilities for MX comprise 6 dedicated end-stations (ID14-EH1-4, ID23-1, ID23-2, ID29) and 3 CRG beamlines BM14U, BM16 and BM30A that make 33% of their beam-time available for peer-reviewed public access. - There are currently two main mechanisms for applying Public Access MX beam-time: Large, well-established groups requiring a significant amount of beam-time should apply for Block Allocation Group (BAG) status. Groups requiring beam-time for single or a small number of projects should use the MX Non-BAG proposal mechanism. A mechanism for applying for Test Crystal (TC) beam time is also available.

1. BLOCK ALLOCATION GROUP (BAG) PROPOSALS
BAG Proposal Guidelines

As a step to enable groups to become familiar with beamline instrumentation and to make maximum use of their beam time, a Block Allocation scheme was introduced during the second scheduling period in 1998 for macromolecular crystallography requests. A number of groups (Block Allocation Groups,or BAGs), have been identified by the Life Sciences Beam Time Review Committee and are awarded a block of beam time per allocation period, spread over all the MX beamlines as appropriate. The identification of these Groups is based mainly on previous usage and performance, and accounts for approximately 80% of the beam time currently awarded by the Committee. The scheduling of their beam time is also grouped, allowing greater flexibility in the choice of projects and samples. At the same time, the BAGs are requested to nominate one to two persons who will be trained to provide additional help when these teams are taking beam time.

The Beam Time Review Committee may add or remove groups, or change the size of the block allocations according to performance.

BEAM TIME OPERATION BY BAGs

Each BAG will have to identify at least one, and preferably more than one person to act as a "Responsible Scientist" (RS). The RSs should be scientists with tenure or fixed term contracts of not less than 3 years (i.e. not students). The RSs have several important functions as follows:

No BAG will be able to undertake an experiment unless a RS is present at the ESRF

The RSs are expected to learn how to operate the relevant beamlines and will be responsible for the activities of the blocked group during experiments. This will help alleviate the workload of the beamline staff.

The RSs act as points of contact for all matters of safety, and for technical issues.

The RSs are responsible for all contacts between the BAG and the ESRF (e.g. User Office, Travel Office, beamline and safety staff) and must ensure that members of t he group are aware of the allocation periods and are ready to perform experiments accordingly. Cancellation of beam time less than 4 weeks before the experiment will result in loss of time and re-allocation to other experiments where possible.

The RSs are responsible for ensuring that all reports requested by the Beam Time Review Committee and/or the ESRF Management are available at the appropriate time.

CURRENT BAG GROUPS

have been defined. Each category is requested to submit specific documents.

Consult the BAG Proposal Guidelines for details.

2. ROLLING ACCESS PROCEDURE for MX NON-BAG PROPOSALS
Guidelines for preparing proposals

This Application Form should ONLY be used for BEAM TIME on ID14 - ID23 - ID29 - BM14U - BM16 and BM30A. Guidelines.

MX Applications for Beam Time on OTHER BEAMLINES should use the STANDARD ESRF Proposal Form.

This method of applying for beam-time should be used by scientists who are not included in a blocked group and can be made at ANY time. These applications will normally be reviewed electronically by the Beam Time Review Committee within 2-3 weeks of their reception at the ESRF and if beam-time is awarded this will be scheduled within 6-8 weeks from the time of application. This method of application and review is designed to improve access to ESRF MX beam-lines and encourage the use of ESRF facilities by smaller groups working in the MX field.

Applications for beam-time using this mechanism must be for projects using crystals which have been previously characterised in-house or at other synchrotron sources. Information as to unit cell dimensions, space group and previously observed diffraction limits therefore MUST be given where these are asked for on the proposal form. Applicants requiring beam-time for crystal characterisation should thus use the Test Crystals Beam Time Form.

IMPORTANT:

REPORT(S) on previous experiment(s) MUST be systematically submitted via the Users Application, and mentioned on the MX non-BAG proposal form as "Relevant Reports". Failure to submit these will mean that applications for beam-time will NOT be considered.

3. TEST BEAM TIME
Guidelines for preparing proposals

A limited amount of test beam time will be available during the next scheduling period on ID13, ID14 and ID29 to allow crystals to be tested to determine the quality of the diffraction pattern, resolution, stability to radiation damage,etc., prior to preparing a formal application for beam time. The total time scheduled for test experiments will not normally exceed 3 shifts on each of ID13 and ID14. The following conditions will apply:

• Time for each test will be limited normally no more than 2 hours,
  
• Applications for Test Time should be made by completing and submitting the specific electronic Test Crystals Beam Time Form AND the electronic Sample sheet, which provides full details on sample to be studied during the Test Crystals experimental session;
  
• The forms can be submitted to the User Office at any time,
  
• Requests will be treated in order of arrival at the ESRF User Office, who will transmit the requests to the Beamline Responsible.
  
  
  

IMPORTANT

ESRF is not able to cover expenses which may be incurred for travel, accommodation and subsistence for Test Experiments.