What is the ILGE TNA/NOA program, and who is hosting it?
The ILGE (Integrated Laboratory of Geosciences and Environment) TNA/NOA program is part of the MEET project hosted by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), and is organized in collaboration with the University “Roma Tre,” the National Research Council (CNR), and the National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics (OGS). It offers financially supported transnational access (TNA) and national open access (NOA) to world-class Earth Science research facilities in Italy.
When does the second call for TNA/NOA access open and close?
The second call for TNA/NOA of the ILGE network opens on December 1, 2024, and closes on January 31, 2025 (23:59 CET). During this period, TNA/NOA proposals can be submitted at any time.
When is access available to the facilities?
The general access period for facilities during the first TNA/NOA call is from April 1st to August 31st 2025. However, each facility may have specified individual access periods, which users should consult for detailed information.
Which facilities are included in the ILGE TNA/NOA program?
The ILGE TNA/NOA program includes laboratories distributed among our partner institutions. These laboratories cover a diverse range of disciplines in the Earth Sciences. Examples of these disciplines include high-pressure high-temperature experimental volcanology and geophysics, experimental tectonics, paleomagnetism, geochemistry, optical and scanning electron microscopy, core logging, and site effects investigation, among the others. Please, visit the facility webpage for details.
Who is eligible to participate in the ILGE TNA/NOA program?
The ILGE TNA/NOA program is open to students (BSc, MSc, PhD), researchers, professors, and technicians. Eligibility criteria depend on the user's affiliation:
- Applicants affiliated with EU* + EFTA$ and extra-EU* + EFTA$ research institutes outside of Italian are eligible for the TNA program.
- Applicants affiliated with Italian institutions are eligible for the NOA program.
EU* = EU member states and countries associated with other European programs (Iceland, Norway, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey, Israel, Moldova, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Ukraine, Tunisia, Georgia, Armenia, United Kingdom).
EFTA$ = member states of European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).
What are the main modalities for accessing facilities under the ILGE TNA/NOA program?
The ILGE TNA/NOA program offers two main access modalities:
- Physical access (hands-on): Users visit the laboratory where the TNA/NOA facility is located. The equipment usage is free, and users may be reimbursed for travel, accommodation, and sustenance expenses up to a specified amount (please review the funding guidelines for details).
- Remote service (send-in-sample): Users can send samples for experiments or analysis without physically visiting the facility. When opting for remote service, users are not eligible for travel, accommodation and sustenance reimbursement. However, sample shipment expenses can be covered up to a specified amount or organized by the access provider (please review the funding guidelines for details).
What are the funding regulations for TNA and NOA projects?
Funding reimbursement is subject to specific limits. Reimbursement details are outlined in the Funding and Reporting guidelines provided on the ILGE TNA/NOA documents webpage.
Are all facilities available for both physical access and remote service?
No, both physical access and remote service options may not be available for every facility. The availability of access modalities depends on the specific nature and capabilities of each laboratory. It is recommended to check the list of facilities for details on the access options offered by each facility on each call.
Can I conduct my project across multiple facilities?
No. The ILGE TNA/NOA program currently allows users to request access to only one facility per proposal.
Can I submit more than one TNA/NOA proposal per call?
No, each applicant can submit a maximum of one TNA/NOA proposal per call. If this proposal is approved, the applicant will be designated as the Primary User for that proposal.
Can I be granted Physical Access on more than one TNA/NOA proposal per call?
No, each User can be granted Physical Access only once in each ILGE TNA/NOA call. Normally, the TNA/NOA project physical access activities involve only the Primary User, although physical access for a Secondary User may be requested for projects involving field activities.
What essential information should be provided in the TNA/NOA submission form?
The submission form gathers details on the following: Information regarding the Primary User and the eventual Secondary User, Project Information and Scientific Objectives, Selection of Infrastructure and Access Type. In a subsequent section of the form, applicants are required to upload their CV, personal identification document and an endorsement letter if the applicant is a student. Applicants are also required to declare the existence of an insurance coverage from their sending institution or agree to take full responsibility for any damages resulting from their behavior. A fac-simile of the submission form, which potential applicants are strongly encouraged to review before starting their application, is available at this link.
How do I apply for the ILGE TNA/NOA program?
To initiate your application, visit the ILGE TNA/NOA portal and create an account using your email address as the username. After having carefully read the call text and the linked documentation, please proceed to complete the submission form, saving your work as a draft for flexibility. Review and modify your draft as needed, but avoid creating multiple submission files. This may delay the application process. Please note that you can upload your files only once. When satisfied with your application, submit it definitively by clicking the "DEFINITIVE SUBMIT" button and send a confirmation email to lucia.cacciola@ingv.it. Keep in mind that contacting the Facility Manager before submission to discuss technical aspects is a mandatory step.
Can I edit my application after submission?
No. Once you submit your application, editing is not possible. It is advised to thoroughly review and ensure all information is accurate before final submission. However, the submission process can be finalized at any time before the deadline, allowing applicants to make changes and adjustments to their proposals as needed. Please make sure to complete the submission only when you are satisfied with the information provided. Also please avoid making multiple submission files as this may significantly impact the submission process.
Can I replace the documents once they are uploaded?
No, currently, the system does not allow for the editing or replacement of already uploaded documents. If you encounter this issue, please contact us at lucia.cacciola@ingv.it.
Why do I have to contact the Facility Manager before submitting my application?
Contacting the Facility Manager before submitting your proposal is a mandatory step to meet the technical specifications of the facility and enhance the technical feasibility of your project. This early communication allows you to discuss the technical aspects of your project, such as the equipment needed, sample requirements, and overall project feasibility. Engaging with the Facility Manager at this stage ensures that your proposal aligns seamlessly with the capabilities of the chosen facility, enhancing the overall quality and chances of approval for your application. The e-mail addresses of the Facility Managers are provided on the facility details webpage.
How are TNA/NOA proposals evaluated and selected?
The evaluation process includes a check of eligibility by the TNA/NOA management team, technical feasibility assessment by the Facility Manager, and a double-blind review of scientific excellence by external reviewers. Proposals are assessed based on methodology, rationale, innovation, and clarity. In case of facility overbooking, priority is given to scientific merit.
What are the user responsibilities upon project approval?
Users must adhere to the ILGE TNA/NOA data policy, including acknowledgment in publications, open access commitment, and adherence to the data management plan. The user is required to sign the Access Agreement, covering access details, before the project begins.
What should I do after completing my TNA/NOA project?
After completing the project, users must download and fill out the TNA/NOA user Scientific & Expense report template within one month after the access period. The report is checked and signed by the host facility. Additionally, users are requested to complete a feedback questionnaire and to provide a copy of metadata produced via the GFZ Data Portal (see Data Policy) during the reporting process. After completing the reporting process, Users remain obliged to comply with the ILGE Data Policy concerning data set and peer-reviewed publications.
How is personal data handled during the application process?
Personal data collected during the application process is used solely for operational management and legal tasks of TNA/NOA activities, following GDPR regulations and institutional privacy policies. Personal data is not shared with external review panels or third parties for purposes other than reporting.
I registered on the portal but did not receive a confirmation email. Is this normal?
Yes, it is normal if you did not receive a confirmation email after registering on the portal. Currently, the system does not generate an automated confirmation email at the time of registration.
I encountered technical issues while submitting my application. What should I do?
If you face technical issues during the submission process, please contact us at lucia.cacciola@ingv.it.
I forgot my password. What should I do to recover it?
If you have forgotten your password, please contact us at lucia.cacciola@ingv.it.
I have additional questions for which I cannot find answers here.
Please reach out to the ILGE TNA/NOA management team at management.ilge@ingv.it.