We asked Robert Temperton, Group Manager for APXPS at MAX IV and who has been involved in the process of introducing the new access mode, about what it means for users.
Why has MAX IV decided to add Long Term Proposals (LTP) to the list of access modes?
The beamline staff have seen a clear need for a mechanism where we can work together with users on a project over an extended period of time. The LTP access mode should enable this, whilst also providing an exciting way in which MAX IV can collaborate with users who want to contribute to the lab. Implementing the LTP access mode is also part of our 2023–2032 Strategy, and has additionally been long-since requested by many of our users and also heavily recommended by our scientific advisory committee.
What makes LTP different from the other access modes?
In return for guaranteed beamline for 2–3 years, the project is expected to bring a notable deliverable to the lab that will benefit the wider user community at the beamline. This could be, for example, a new sample environment, technique or method. The expectation is that the LTP will bring in resources from outside the lab to help achieve this deliverable, for example funding a postdoc to carry out the project or providing the required hardware or software to MAX IV. This sets it apart from standard access modes as it can really be used to help leverage funds by strengthening grant applications and embark on long term collaborations.
How does LTP benefit users?
It will enable users to pursue method development or similar types of projects that take a longer period of time to be successful. Such projects are not so well suited to the standard access mode, which is assessed on scientific merit of a single experiment.
Are there any challenges with LTP?
One of the biggest challenges with implementing LTPs is the administrative side of how to handle the proposals, specifically regarding our DUO system. Whilst MAX IV will properly implement the LTP access mode in the “next-generation” DUO, this is still some years away, and therefore, we are currently limited by the existing software. We decided that the LTP access mode is of such benefit to both MAX IV and our users that it was worth implementing LTP via a more manual submission process to work around the current software limitations.
How to apply for LTP and which beamlines are involved?
Read more about beamlines and the applications process at the LTP Access page.
