Introduction for Using the LMF
The MDI Biological Laboratory (MDIBL) and NIGMS-funded Maine IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) operate the leading light microscopy facility in Maine. The facility is open to researchers from MDIBL, Maine, and beyond, and aims to provide excellence in user service, research support, training, and community engagement.
These guidelines serve as a contract between each user and the LMF and provide rules to abide by when using LMF guidelines and/or devices. The guidelines cover policies related to development, performance, and evaluation with potential repercussions for policy violation, access policy, billing policy, and training policy.
Getting Started
Business Hours
Pilot Program
Important Note
All instruments in the MDIBL LMF were purchased using NIH grant funding that requires equal access for potential users. Access to these instruments may therefore be rationed accordingly.
LMF Policies
Policy Violations
For users that don’t respect policies, break or damage equipment due to user’s failure to adhere to proper operating procedures, the facility maintains the right to:
Eligibility
The Light Microscopy Facility (LMF) at MDIBL is open to:
– MDIBL faculty and staff
-Maine research institutions
-External academic researchers
-Industry collaborators
Registration Process
All new users must complete:
– User Registration Form
-LMF Work Request (Proposal form)
-Initial consultation with facility staff
-Required training sessions
Regular Hours
– Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
– Staff assistance available during business hours
– Advance scheduling required for all sessions
After-Hours Access
– Available for qualified independent users
– Requires demonstrated proficiency
– Subject to instrument availability
– Emergency contact information provided
– Must follow safety protocols
New Users
– Mandatory orientation session
– Instrument-specific training
– Safety protocols review
– Supervised practice sessions
Independent User Status
– Demonstrated technical proficiency
– Understanding of safety procedures
– Successful completion of training
– Staff evaluation and approval
Instrument Care
– Follow all operating procedures
– Report any issues immediately
– Clean and reset after use
– Log all usage properly
Scheduling Rules
– Maximum session lengths apply
– Cancellation notice required (ASAP)
– Priority given to time-sensitive experiments
– Fair usage policies enforced
Storage Policy
– Data must be transferred within 1 week
– Temporary storage only provided
– Back-up responsibility lies with users
– Facility not responsible for data loss
Data Sharing
– Confidentiality agreements in place
– No access to others’ data without permission
– Secure transfer protocols required
Requirements
– All publications must acknowledge facility use
– Submit manuscripts for technical review
– Provide PDF copy after publication
– Report facility-supported research outcomes
– Standard Acknowledgment Text:
“Image collection, processing and analysis for this manuscript was performed with the assistance of Dr. Frederic Bonnet and the MDI Biological Laboratory Light Microscopy Facility (RRID:SCR_019166), which is supported by an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under grant number P20GM103423“
Rate Structure
– Internal users: Base rate
– Maine collaborators: Standard rate
– External users/Industry partners: Full rate
Special Programs
– Pilot project discount (75% off first experiment)
– Training session fees separate
Required Protocols
– Laboratory safety training
– Proper sample handling
– Waste disposal procedures
– Emergency protocols
Biosafety
– Follow institutional biosafety guidelines
– Containment protocols as needed
Minor Violations
– Written warning
– Additional training required
– Temporary supervision
Serious Violations
– Immediate suspension of access
– Damage compensation required
– Possible permanent ban
– Incident reporting to PI/Department
Remote Users
– Virtual consultation available
– Sample shipping protocols
– Remote operation where applicable
– Data transfer procedures
Pilot Projects
– Special rates for first-time users
– Extended support provided
– Evaluation period included
– Path to regular usage
Good Research Practices
Publication Requirements
As microscopy techniques become more advanced and complex, it is crucial for scientific publications to include comprehensive details about the imaging process.
Required Acknowledgment
All publications using LMF MDIBL equipment and/or services must include:
“Image collection, processing and analysis for this manuscript was performed with the assistance of Dr. Frederic Bonnet and the MDI Biological Laboratory Light Microscopy Facility (RRID:SCR_019166), which is supported by an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under grant number P20GM103423“
Required Acknowledgment
The Royal Microscopy Society (RMS) recommendations:
