Step 1:

The first step is to contact one of our User Program Managers, Rob Ilic or Michael Skvarla, at userprogram/at/cnf.cornell.edu. They have many years experience working with CNF users. They can advise you on the feasibility of your proposed project, and can usually give you an accurate time line and cost estimate.

Step 2:

Upon this initial contact, you will be asked to submit a brief (2 page) Project Proposal. Get your free Adobe Acrobat Reader here. Please see the CNF Lab Usage and Safety Manual for more information.

Step 3:

Once accepted, you will need to fill out a New User Application.  Cornell Users should fill out the New User Application - Cornell.  Users external to Cornell without an active Cornell netid need to first obtain a Cornell GuestID; then, users external to Cornell need to fill out the New User Application - External, a liability form which must be signed by a corporate officer in your organization. Both of these PDF forms need to be filled out before submitting them electronically, as well as printing them and obtaining the proper signatures.

Step 4:

Then you send us a purchase order for us to bill against, and you're all set. Denise Budinger, our Financial Manager, can help you here.

The entire process of setting up a new project can take a week or two to ensure we have all the details and requirements correct. Once we have the particulars of your research needs set, we will put you on the waiting list for orientation and safety training. (Read more on your first visit with us here.)

Certain instruments may be backed up so access requires precise scheduling. We do our best to get new users on the schedule quickly. Many users can arrive here within 2 weeks if the laboratory and the specific capabilities are not overbooked. It helps to plan quickly if we can count on rapid interactions.

Upon arrival at CNF, you will be assigned a staff person to mentor your project - particularly in the early phases. Be prepared for a flexible approach! Many new users change their plan of attack significantly once they arrive and become better acquainted with the facility, its staff, and capabilities.

PLEASE NOTE: We also offer the option of remote work on your project. See http://www.cnf.cornell.edu/cnf_remotework.html for details.