Workshop: How to Write a Successful Beamtime Proposal
This interactive workshop guides researchers through the complete lifecycle of applying for beamtime at large-scale photon and neutron facilities (such as MAX IV, DESY, European XFEL, ESRF, and BESSY). Participants will gain practical insights into navigating facility calls, writing compelling proposals, understanding the review process, and accessing available travel and financial support.
Workshop Outline
- Facility Landscape & Proposal Processes: Overview of international synchrotrons/FELs, facility focus areas (energy ranges, time structures), access modes (standard, fast access, feasibility tests), and multi-facility initiatives (e.g., ReMade@ARI).
- Writing from the Applicant Perspective: Step-by-step guidance on defining research questions, selecting endstations, consulting beamline scientists, structuring proposal text, and presenting preliminary data.
- The Reviewer’s Perspective: Behind-the-scenes look at technical feasibility checks by beamline scientists and scientific evaluation by review panels.
- Funding & Access Support: Information on funding opportunities (NEPHEWS, facility support, and Center for Photon Science first-time user support).
- Hands-on Session: Practical writing session to work directly on proposal drafts with feedback from experienced users.
Key Takeaways for Participants
- How to match specific scientific questions to the right facility and beamline parameters.
- Strategies to demonstrate novelty, feasibility, and technical readiness within strict page limits (2–3 pages).
- How to accurately calculate and justify requested beamtime shifts.
- Best practices for handling reviewer feedback and resubmissions.
Speakers & Organizers
- Rebecka Lindblad
- Jacinto Sá
- Olle Björneholm