FAQ

What is EMSL's Mission?

The William R. Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL), a U.S. Department of Energy national scientific user facility located at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, Washington provides integrated experimental and computational resources for discovery and technological innovation in the environmental molecular sciences to support the needs of DOE and the nation.

What is a user facility?

A user facility provides instrumental resources and scientific expertise to its users, generally, free of charge.

How do I become a user?

Potential users can request access to EMSL using the online proposal form. We encourage to you read how to Get Started before submitting a proposal.

How do I contact EMSL scientists?

EMSL contact names, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers are available on the website.

How do I find out which capabilities are available at EMSL?

Access EMSL's capabilities and respective scientific consultants.

Can I get a EMSL scientist to work with me to help create a proposal?

Yes. EMSL strongly encourages collaborations with its scientific consultants.

Is it necessary to collaborate? Are my chances of acceptance the same either way?

Collaboration with EMSL scientific consultants is not necessary. Each proposal is reviewed against the same 5 criteria. After external review, accepted proposals will be prioritized based upon scientific merit and relevance to the objectives stated in the proposal call and available resources.

How long will it take to get my proposal reviewed?

The review process generally takes 2-4 weeks for Open call proposals, and 8 weeks for proposals in response to Science Theme, Computational Grand Challenge, or Capabilities calls.

How many participants can I have on my user proposal?

There is no minimum or maximum number required. Do we request that you list participants that will be visiting EMSL, sending samples, and/or requiring computer access. The lead professor(s) or advisor(s) of students or post-docs should be listed as the primary author.

How can I find out the status of my proposal?

Contact your Scientific Facility Lead.

Is EMSL a funding agency?

No. If your proposal is approved, you need to fund your own travel to EMSL, however, in general, you do not need to pay to use the EMSL.

Where can I stay?

Most users stay at the PNNL Guest House, which is only 2 blocks away from EMSL and has reasonable rates, or at a hotel in Richland.

What airport do I fly into?

Most people fly into the Pasco Washington Airport (20 mins), although you can fly into Spokane (2 hrs), Seattle (3.5 hrs), or Portland (3.5 hrs). See PNNL's Visitor Information page for more information.

Where can I find more information on Richland and the Tri-Cities?

See Local Information on PNNL's Visitor Information page.

I have having issues with the on-line training links. Who should I contact?

Contact your Scientific Facility Lead.

How can sign up to get EMSL announcements via email?

Send a blank e-mail to: subscribe-emsl_announcements@lyris.pnl.gov.

What are the mailing and shipping addresses?

Please do not send equipment, samples, nor chemicals without first coordinating with your host.

Other questions?

Contact Nancy Foster-Mills, EMSL User Administration Manager, EMSL@pnl.gov, 509-371-6003.