Self-support

Staff members of the IDM-µ will teach you the operation of instruments and microscopes, consult with preparation methods and techniques. Teaching is currently free of charge. If you have made a booking with our staff for training and cannot honour the appointment, please cancel the meeting at least 24 hours prior to the date. 

Acknowledgements

All work published that include results obtained using resources of the IDM-µ Imaging Platform must be acknowledged and a copy of the publication should be sent as paper or pdf to us (insert email hyperlink).

Examples for acknowledgements

"Imaging was performed with equipment maintained by the IDM-µ Imaging Platform, University of Cape Town."
"Imaging was performed with support of the IDM-µ Imaging Platform, University of Cape Town."
"The authors acknowledge the assistance and support of the IDM-µ Imaging Platform, University of Cape Town for performing confocal microscopy experiments."

Collaborations

Scientific projects can be performed in collaboration with the IDM-µ Imaging Platform. Collaborations are typically characterised by intensive scientific input, extensive preparation and analysis of the samples but also the operation of microscopes. Staff members of the IDM-µ Imaging Platform involved in collaboration must be authors of resulting publication.

Consultation

Methodical problems concerning imaging and microscopy can be discussed with staff members of the IDM-µ Imaging Platform.

Reservation policy and use of systems maintained by the IDM-µ

Access to systems is possible 24/7 for users having the necessary training & knowledge to work independently and safely during evenings, nights and weekends.

Reservations of systems is mandatory prior to its usage. Reservations must be done for the whole time the system is used.

Maximum allowed booking time for light microscopes should be limited to 4 hours per session, except for live cell experiments. Exceptions can be granted for special imaging demands by staff of the IDM-µ. Please contact the person responsible for the instrument.

Problems with systems must be communicated to the staff of the IDM-µ.

Fees

Currently, the platform does not charge users for the systems maintained by it.

In the near-future, instruments will be charged automatically based on the entries in the reservation system and based on their hourly rate (which is yet to be determined). Accounting will be done every four months and invoiced to respective lab group.

Data Storage at IDM-µ

Data stored on the desktop are retained for three month after the last modification date except data stored on the Analysis Workstation, which are only retained for one month. You will be informed by email prior the deletion of old data. We do not take the responsibility to make any backup of your data. The IDM-µ Imaging Platform tries to maximise the safety of your data by monitoring disks and servers (where applicable), however, is not responsible for loss of data.

Exceptions to these rules are data or settings stored in an appropriate folder (with name of user) in the Documents folder. Data is backed up and never deleted from the Documents folder, as long as you actively work at the IDM-µ.

Data stored on anywhere else (especially on the desktop) will be deleted after 1 week without further notice.