Go Big! The Excite Network
In this contribution to the “Go Big: Large-scale facilities” blog series, the EXCITE Network, an EU-funded research infrastructure, tells us about how you can access a network of electron and X-ray microscopy imaging facilities around the world.
What is EXCITE?
Open access to cutting-edge imaging and analytical facilities is essential to open new frontiers in Earth and environmental materials research. The EXCITE (Enhanced X(cross)-disciplinary Community-driven Imaging Technologies for Earth and Environmental material research) Network is a research infrastructure that offers free access to 36 top-tier facilities worldwide. Available instrumentation spans from electron microscopy (SEM, FIB-SEM, TEM), to X-ray tomography, NanoSIMS, and atom probe tomography. These techniques help scientists to unravel intricate processes within Earth and Environmental materials, ranging from nanometers to tens of centimeters in scale. Beyond this we establish connections by providing access to informative workshops, and actively support researchers from all backgrounds in achieving their scientific objectives.
How does EXCITE work?
The EXCITE Network is committed to facilitating scientific progress and bringing a positive impact on research, industry, and society by providing free transnational access to world-class imaging facilities, for researchers at all career stages as well as new and non-expert users, while also driving the circulation of skills and attracting talented scientists. To achieve this goal, we collaborate with global scientific institutions that specialize in different imaging technologies from electrons to X-rays, and from ions to visible light. As such, EXCITE acts as a key player in the generation of beyond state-of-the-art knowledge and scientific excellence.
Who has access to EXCITE, where and when?
EXCITE welcomes researchers at all levels of experience from diverse backgrounds within Earth, environmental, and materials science disciplines, both within academia and industry. Calls for facility access are scheduled every six months starting April 1st, 2024, for the next four years providing researchers with ample opportunities to submit proposals and gain access to state-of-the-art imaging facilities. Equipment time, travel, and subsistence costs are fully covered by EXCITE, further facilitating researchers’ access to these valuable resources. Tap into our collaborative network of 19 scientific partners hosting 36 imaging facilities across 12 different countries to connect with domain experts, bridge knowledge gaps, and foster interdisciplinary research endeavors.
What do I need to do to get access?
To get started, simply visit EXCITE’s website to explore the diverse range of equipment and techniques offered by our partner facilities. Regardless of where you come from, you have the option to choose remote or physical (hands-on) access to the facilities. After selecting a facility of interest, applicants must contact the facility manager to discuss technical aspects of their projects. Our expert facility managers are dedicated to providing personalized assistance to help you achieve your goals. Once the proposal has been submitted and the technical feasibility approved, the evaluation process typically takes 6 to 8 weeks for final approval.
The next call will open in the fall of 2024. To apply, first visit our transnational access portal, where you can view a timeline and details of each step in the process. Any questions? Please visit our FAQ section for answers to common inquiries. If you cannot find the information you need, feel free to contact us directly at info@excite-network.eu.
Users accepting access to EXCITE facilities need to acknowledge the support from the European Commission in any resulting publications, and publish data in an appropriate open access repository. Additionally, any peer-reviewed publications resulting from the research must be made available open access.
About EXCITE
The EXCITE Network, initially funded under the EU’s Horizon 2020 (Grant No. 101005611) began as a European H2020 infrastructure tailored to advance the imaging of Earth and planetary materials. The second phase, EXCITE2 (Enhanced X(cross)-disciplinary Community-driven Imaging Technologies for Earth and Environmental material research) under Horizon Europe (Grant No. 101131765), started on April 1st, 2024, and will continue until 2028.
To stay up to date with the latest EXCITE Network news, subscribe to the EXCITE newsletter and follow EXCITE on social media at X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
With thanks to Hannah P. Vogel of Utrecht University and the EXCITE Network for providing this contribution.
Edited by the EAG Communications Committee.