The Micro Access Fund promotes collaborative research by improving trainee access to shared imaging and characterization facilities at UBC. Many facilities charge user or service fees for equipment training, instrument time, or specialized accessories - particularly for users outside the host department or unit. This grant enables graduate students, postdocs, and researchers to access specialized instruments, tools, and expertise, thereby enhancing their research capabilities and technical training.
Funding of up to $1,000 may be awarded per application, payable directly to the facility. The approved amount can be used toward training, service fees, technical support, sample preparation, materials, supplies, and other relevant needs. Funds are awarded on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal year (Apr 1 - Mar 31).
List of Eligible Facilities
- Bioimaging Facility (BIF)
- Centre for High-Throughput Phenogenomics (CHTP)
- Electron Microbeam & X-ray Diffraction Facility (EMXDF)
- Materials Engineering Electron Microscopy Lab (EM Lab)
- Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research (PCIGR)
- Quantum Matter Institute (QMI) Microscopy Lab
- UBCO Fipke Laboratory for Trace Element Research (FiLTER)
- X-ray Computed Tomography (X-ray CT) Facility
How It Works?
Trainees (i.e., graduate students, postdocs, and researchers) submit an application including details such as the facility name, instrument requested, statement for access, estimated cost, and other relevant information. Once approved, funds will be transferred directly to the PI or facility director managing the instrument.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a full-time UBC Vancouver or Okanagan graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, research associate, or staff member.
- Maintain eligible status, i.e., full time status, at the time of access.
- Agree to submit a 1-page reflection report after being granted access to the facility.
- Not have received this award more than once in the current fiscal year (Apr 1 - Mar 31). Priority will be given to first-time applicants.
How to Apply?
- Complete and sign the PDF application form (signed by the applicant, the supervisor/PI, and the facility manager), then submit your application via Qualtrics – you will be asked to upload the completed PDF.
- Submit your application 1-2 months before you plan to access the facility. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
After you Apply
Applications will be reviewed within 3 weeks of submission. Successful applicants will receive a confirmation letter indicating the approved funding amount. Applicants and the facility manager or PI must confirm and sign to accept the award. Once the signed letter is received, funds will be processed via Workday using the worktag provided in the application. Please allow a few weeks for payment processing.
After You Access the Facility
Please submit a short 1-page report summarizing your experience and outcomes. More details on the report will be outlined in your approval letter.