To provide users with an accelerated pathway to Foundry capabilities, the Molecular Foundry considers short-term proposals with high scientific impact and urgency apart from our standard biannual call for proposals.

This proposal mechanism should be used exclusively for time-sensitive research with extraordinary potential impact on nanoscience and technology. Rapid Access is distinct from the existing “Instrument Only” or “Sample Only” proposal submission and review processes.

Users may submit a Rapid Access proposal through the Foundry’s website at any time. A Rapid Access proposal will be evaluated for urgency and scientific merit apart from our standard proposal evaluation cycles.

Keep in mind that all users have important, exciting research ideas. A Rapid Access proposal must explicitly describe the unique time constraints and urgent nature of your research to make clear why it should be considered in advance of the next standard review cycle.

The Foundry User Office (foundry@lbl.gov) can offer preliminary feedback on whether Rapid Access is suitable for your particular situation in advance of proposal submission.

Proposal Evaluation

Each Rapid Access proposal will be considered in chronological order from the date of its submission online. After an initial administrative and EH&S review, internal scientific staff in relevant facilities will review a Rapid Access proposal for feasibility and staff availability. An accelerated, external scientific peer review is then obtained. During scientific review, the person identified as Principal Investigator may be requested to provide additional material to support their Rapid Access proposal.

The administrative and scientific reviews will typically require a total of four weeks, and final approval is at the discretion of Foundry management. After these reviews, the User Program office will notify the proposal’s Principal Investigator of the outcome (approved or rejected) via email.

After a Rapid Access proposal is approved, the project may begin after a Foundry User Agreement is executed and EH&S considerations have been evaluated. A subsequent formal review for this proposal will occur during the next standard review cycle, and any further continuation of the project is contingent on the proposal being approved during this review.