Access for free: How to get free-of-charge access to Dutch Earth scientific research labs through EPOS-NL

Access to top research equipment facilitates top research. However, the research equipment needed may not always be available within individual institutes, while access to external facilities may not in all cases be affordable. This restricts the research that any individual can do and hampers scientific breakthroughs, particularly across disciplines. To overcome this limitation, a collaborative infrastructure network was initiated: EPOS-NL (European Plate Observing System- Netherlands). EPOS-NL provides free-of-charge access to geophysical labs at Utrecht University and Delft University of Technology, both in the Netherlands, for research within rock physics, analogue modelling of tectonic processes, X-ray tomography and microscopy. These labs include capabilities for among others: A) Mechanical and transport testing at crustal stress, temperature and chemistry conditions; B) Analogue tectonic modelling, including dynamic model imaging in 2D and 3D; C) X-ray tomography at sub-µm resolution; and D) A correlative workflow for imaging and microchemical mapping, down to nm resolution. As such, these labs can provide you with the means and expertise for your research into the physical behavior of the Earth’s crust and upper mantle.

Access to EPOS-NL can be requested by applying to a bi-annual call, posted on www.EPOS-NL.nl. This involves submitting a short (1-2 page) research proposal. Research proposals are reviewed on the basis of feasibility and excellence, but generally have a high chance of success (~80% in previous rounds). Interested? Have a look on the EPOS-NL website – and apply!