General Lab Information

User Guide

How to Become a User

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help current and future users apply for access to the state-of-the-art resources and instrumentation at CFN.

1Determine proposal type

All CFN proposals are allocated based on a peer-reviewed proposal process. To start, you need to identify the type of proposal that fits your needs. You'll need to know the capabilities required, the name of the resource or instrument, or the name of the primary CFN contact. The primary CFN contact for each resource/instrument can be found in the Equipment Catalog. See full details on proposal types

2Download proposal template

General User Proposal

For use of CFN facilities for non-proprietary research following the submission of a proposal and positive evaluation by an external Proposal Review Panel.

Rapid Access Proposal

For users who feel that the timeliness of their research may be negatively affected by the length of the General User proposal review process.

Partner User Proposal

For users who also enhance facility capabilities and/or contribute to CFN operations.

3Obtain login credentials

Logging in to the CFN Proposal Portal requires a BNL domain account, an InCommon Federation account, or a Google account. For users that do not have a BNL domain account, we recommend login through the InCommon Federation if your home institution is a participant (check for your institution here). If not, use your existing Google account to log into CPP or sign up for a free Google account before continuing.

4Login to the CFN Proposal Portal

Once you log in with your authenticated account, you will be able to view a list of your proposals and submit new proposals using the information from your proposal template.

Login to CFN Proposal Portal

Proposal Submission Deadlines

Cycle Submission Deadline
January – April September 30 at 11:59 p.m.
May – August January 31 at 11:59 p.m.
September – December May 31 at 11:59 p.m.