Call for applications (NMR UNITY)
Call for applications is now open for the allocation of free-at-the-point-of-use SAP spectrometer time at 1.0 GHz & 1.2 GHz for solution-state NMR measurements at the Biomolecular NMR Laboratory (B·NMR), University of Birmingham, UK.1,2
Next Call for Applications deadline:
5 November 2026 at 17:00 for time allocated in Q1 (extended by 1 month) from 18 January 2027 to 15 May 20271.
Each applicant can request (as PI) up to a maximum of 7 days’ NMR time per project (multiple projects can be submitted, each with a separate application).
1Subject to successful award of NMR UNITY grant.
2In the framework of NMR UNITY, measurement time will be allocated via two routes. SAP (Single Allocation Project) measurement time will be allocated through quarterly calls; the same project can be resubmitted several times with measurement time requested for new experiments each time. BAP (Block Allocation Project) measurement time will be allocated yearly and will encompass longer measurement time allocations distributed throughout the year. The measurement time allocation (MTA) year runs from 15 February of the current year to 14 February of the following year.
Queries to the facility management team at B·NMR regarding technical capability of different solution state probes at 1.0 GHz & 1.2 GHz are encouraged prior to the submission of the application (John Kirkpatrick). Please email your application to Sara Whittaker.
Considering the information provided in each application and to ensure optimum use of the available time, the TAP (Time Allocation Panel) will use their scientific judgement to decide which projects are allocated time at 1.0 GHz & 1.2 GHz magnetic fields.
The TAP will rank proposals, including the option to break up a proposal into more than one set of days that are ranked in different places in the ranking list. The facility management team will allocate time according to the ranking list, while considering when samples are ready and availability of probes.
Where a maintenance issue, e.g. with a probe, precludes users from carrying out experiments, compensation days can be awarded at the end of the Quarter in which the issues occurred.
39 days (at 1.0 GHz) & 46 days (at 1.2 GHz) of spectrometer time are available in this call at B·NMR, University of Birmingham.
The application procedure involves completing the project form (Word, 38 KB) and sample safety form (Word, 33 KB). Applications that do NOT contain the stated information in the forms will NOT be considered by the TAP.
Applications are invited from UK academics who are eligible to apply for Research Council funding or researchers of similar standing based in industry.
Each applicant can request (as PI) up to a maximum of 7 days’ NMR time per project.
Each applicant can request time for more than one project – note that a separate application must be submitted for each distinct project. The TAP will strive to diversify the userbase for projects ranked similarly. Reasonable travel and accommodation costs associated with the use of the facility will be paid to academic users.
The NRF covers the costs of travel and accommodation for a reasonable number of nights (typically one night) and a maximum of TWO visitors for each time allocation visit.
Taking our sustainability responsibilities seriously, the NRF asks all applicants to consider sustainable travel options wherever possible, e.g. using trains rather than flying, public transport, shared transport rather than driving individually.
Applications will be acknowledged by email at the time of application, and subsequently within 1 week after the application deadline (if you don't receive either of these acknowledgments, please contact Sara Whittaker to check safe receipt of your application).
Applicants will be informed of their time allocation following the meeting of the Time Allocation Panel, i.e. we expect to inform you by 23 November 2026 (for measurement time starting in January 2027). At this stage, you will be given one week’s notice to indicate dates when you are not able to use your allocation and to specify if you prefer to have your time as one slot or broken up into separate slots. If you know that you will be away during November, please inform the facility manager in advance of your availability. You will then be informed of your allocated days. At this stage, the facility has little flexibility (and is under no obligation) to change your allocated days, hence we emphasise that you must tell us your availability at the requested time.
Any queries should be addressed to Sara Whittaker.