Policies

Prospective users of the Electron Microscopy Core can make an inquiry about future projects, either by email, phone or in person. Prospective clients can explore the Electron Microscopy Core's fee schedule and set up a time to discuss the project in person with the Core prior to providing specimens. Investigators should come to the meeting prepared with pertinent information relating to the specific project. At that time a request for specimen submission, including an estimate of costs for the project can be completed so clients and the Electron Microscopy Core personnel are thoroughly familiar with the proposed project.

This core's primary goal is to generate high-quality data using electron microscopy. Specimen quality is essential to this process, as without properly fixed and prepared specimens, it is impossible to generate good and interpretable images. It is this core's policy to review all protocols for incoming specimens and the center reserves the right to reject specimens and/or suggest necessary changes to aid in obtaining adequate and quality results.

All data and results belong to the client investigator. Neither will be shared outside this core without the researcher’s consent.

All data and results generated by the core can be accessed only by the researcher, the Electron Microscopy Core Director and technical staff.

The Electron Microscopy Core Director will discuss all issues with the investigator to help resolve the problem. If the issue cannot be resolved, it will be submitted to the Electron Microscopy Core's advisory committee.

The fee schedule is set up to offset the substantial cost of maintaining this core without making its services cost-prohibitive. Any changes in the service requested by a client may result in additional costs above the estimate provided at the initial review of the proposed project and estimate.

An accession number is given to all incoming projects (specimens). Unless discussed and an arrangement made beforehand, all projects are on a first-come first-served basis. IU School of Medicine projects have priority over externally submitted projects.

The Electron Microscopy Core provides electron microscopy services on a fee-for-service basis. Basic processing and microscopy are the responsibility of Electron Microscopy Core personnel. But interpretations of resulting data are the responsibility of the submitting investigator.

The Electron Microscopy Core should be acknowledged in publications in which microscopy results are utilized. Co-authorship on resulting publications should be considered when projects brought to the Electron Microscopy Core require significant additional scientific or intellectual input from the Electron Microscopy Core Director or personnel.