FAQ
Usage of Facilities
The philosophy of the Unit is that researchers are most effective when they acquire their own data from their own specimens, as they are the experts to know what they are looking for. We will teach each microscopy user on a ‘need to know’ basis, so they are most familiar with the techniques relevant to their specimens. Besides in-house training courses, research training is also provided through seminars and workshops with one-on-one training ‘at the column’.
The instruments in the facility represent a substantial investment and resource for the research community. To ensure that these resources are available to investigators at the optimum performance level and a minimum of down-time, in-house training courses and guidelines for proper use of instruments have been established.
Users who do not handle instruments with care, flout safety rules, or show disrespect towards other users or staff will be barred from the EM Unit.
1. Registration
Registration is required in order to use any of the facilities provided. An application form can be obtained from the EM Unit. Please see guidelines on filling up the application form. The application will be sent to the Director for approval. Upon approval, an email will be sent to the applicant and principal investigator, with information on the assigned EM officer-in-charge and respective charges. The applicant is then free to liaise with the officer-in-charge for training and any other queries.
2. In-house training courses
Before using the EM facilities, all users have to go through a training course according to their needs. An EM officer-in-charge will be assigned to the user and the user is to liaise with the officer for all matters.
3. Guidance on application forms
The form consists of three parts. The first part is the Rules and Regulations of the EM Unit. All users are required to adhere to the rules stated. This part is to be read and retained by the applicant. Should there be any doubts about the rules, please clarify with the officer-in-charge.
The second part of the form is to be filled up by the applicant. The top part of the form will include the details of the applicant followed by the details of the principal investigator. Both signatures of the applicant and principal investigator are required in order to complete the registration process.
The third part of the form is for billing details. Please be very clear of where the funds are coming from as the origin will decide the billing category you are assigned to.
4. Bookings and cancellation
Microscopes are made available on a first-come first-served basis. Reservation of instruments is through the scheduling system. Cancellation: If for any reason you are unable to utilise the allocated session, it is your responsibility to delete the sign-up entry from the scheduler as early as possible and notify the facility staff. Failure to show up or cancellation in less than 48-hours notice will be fully billed for the entire period.
5. Charges
Please refer to the updated charging schedule provided by EM Unit.
Safety in the Unit
- Proper lab attire, including closed-toe shoes, should be worn when working in the EM Unit.
- No lab coats from other laboratories are allowed. Use only the lab coats provided in the EM Unit.
- Eye protection is mandatory. Bring your safety glasses.
- All samples that are submitted to the EM facility need to be previously fixed with either paraformaldehyde or glutaraldehyde, so as to ensure that any pathogens they might contain have been inactivated.
- The staff will provide instructions on how to handle chemicals and instruments in a safe manner.
- Spills of chemicals need to be notified and cleaned immediately.
- Users who do not handle instruments with care, flout safety rules, or show disrespect towards other users or staff will be barred from the EM Unit.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT GUIDELINES
- Any usage of our facilities should be acknowledged in your presentations and publications, in a generic sentence as below:
“The authors thank the Electron Microscopy Unit (https://medicine.nus.edu.sg/core-facilities/electron-microscopy-unit-emu/) in National University of Singapore and the team for their support and assistance in the EM work.”
- In cases where a particular staff has assisted you significantly, the staff member should be acknowledged as well:
“The authors thank the Electron Microscopy Unit (https://medicine.nus.edu.sg/core-facilities/electron-microscopy-unit-emu/) in National University of Singapore and the team, particularly XXX, for their support and assistance in the EM work.”
It is important to us that you acknowledge and inform us of your publications. The information on the publications can be sent to medbx263@nus.edu.sg
