Becoming a User

What rules must I be aware of as a BioCRF(GZ) user?

• Only the authorized users are allowed to use the facilities in BioCRF(GZ).
• When making equipment reservations, authorized users should abide by the booking restrictions and rules of the equipment.
• Authorized users should sign the log books as appropriate and report any issues to BioCRF(GZ) staff.
• Authorized users should ensure that the equipment is clean and in good working order after use.
• Authorized users should download their experimental data from online booking system or the server of BioCRF(GZ). USB sticks and hard disks on BioCRF(GZ) computers are strictly prohibited.
• If users do not show up for their reservations, they will receive a no-show warning with credit point deduction. Other misbehaviors will also receive credit point deduction. Once the point reaches to -30, users will be suspended for using any equipment in BioCRF(GZ) for at least 15 days.
• Any cost of repair due to the misuse of equipment will be charged to the account of the user's supervisor.
• The supervisor should inform users about the University's safety and environmental policies, as well as safety statements, standards and procedures related to the user's experiment. The supervisor should also inform the user of any potential hazard and safety precaution.
• When come across unexpected machine malfunction, users might not be able to continue their experiments. In this situation, users need to cancel the affected reservations and reschedule.

How do l get equipment access and/or apply for specialized services (mass spectrometry, Genomics & tissue processing)?

First, you need to register for an account on our online booking system to become an authorized user. To get access to self-service equipment, all users have to be trained (and in some cases, assessed) so that they can follow standard operation procedures and be aware of necessary safety precautions. You can register for training sessions on our booking system. For equipment that requires operation assessment, instructors will inform users of the assessment criteria during the training. After gaining access, users can enter the corresponding rooms where the equipment is in during the reservation time.

As for applying for specialized services, please refer to the next few sections of Services&Guidelines.

How can I retrieve my experimental data on BioCRF(GZ) computers and how does BioCRF(GZ) manage these data?

Users can refer to our Data Download Guide for instructions. BioCRF(GZ) will not use or back up users’ experimental data and users should manage their file server effectively according to the allocated file storage capability.

How to acknowledge BioCRF(GZ) in my work?

• With the proper acknowledgement of the use of our instruments and services in your publications (reports, presentations, papers, etc.) and grant applications, we get to measure our impact on the research community and assess if our resources are efficiently utilized. This metric is important for the continued funding and support of our operations and expansion - so that you could enjoy more high-quality instruments and services!
• Please acknowledge us as “Biosciences Central Research Facility (GZ), HKUST (GZ)” in grant applications and the acknowledgement section of any publications.