ELMILAB access and user fees
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Access to the instruments and laboratories
If you are new to ELMILAB, you first must register as ELMILAB user. We ask UiB members to visit ELMILAB for registration. We will also take this opportunity to introduce you to the facility. External users can contact us via e-mail.
Instrument booking
ELMILAB offers not only access to the equipment but also support in project planning, sample preparation, and operation of the equipment, as well as complete electron microscopy services. Please read about our services and guidelines before you are booking instruments.
Microscope time can be reserved with the Bookitlab software. To use Bookitlab, you need a Bookitlab account and the leader of your project must provide the project's accounting information. We will send you the relevant forms by e-mail on request.
Beginners and standard users can reserve instruments during working hours (weekdays from 9.00h to 16.00h). Only expert users granted self-dependent instrument operation can book outside working hours.
Note that all reservations require approval by ELMILAB staff. You will be notified by e-mail.
Access to sample preparation equipment, staff assistance for instrument operation, and services for sample preparation and imaging must be arranged via e-mail.
Rates (2025)
The fees for using ELMILAB are based on the costs arising from the provision and maintenance of the instruments and laboratories, and personnel expenses. All fees are calculated on an hourly basis.
| Academic users | Commercial users | |
| FEI Quanta 450 SEM | 240 NOK/h | 800 NOK/h |
| Zeiss Supra 55 VP SEM * | 300 NOK/h | 1000 NOK/h |
| Zeiss Gemini 450 SEM * | 300 NOK/h | 1000 NOK/h |
| Jeol JEM-2100 TEM | 350 NOK/h | 1170 NOK/h |
Assistance | 650 NOK/h | 1500 NOK/h |
| Use of sample preparation laboratory | 150 NOK/h | 400 NOK/h |
* For automated imaging runs exceeding 14 hours 40 % discount is granted on the Zeiss Supra 55 VP and Zeiss Gemini 450.
The initial assistance during a microscope session is free of charge, but fees for staff time apply for further substantial assistance, teaching of individual users, and for services conducted by ELMILAB personnel. Small amounts of standard chemicals and consumables are included in the lab fee for sample preparation. Extensive use of chemicals, consumables, and other expensive items is charged according to the purchase price. No diamond knives are provided for self-dependent operation of ultramicrotomes. Users can bring their own diamond knives or prepare glass knives at ELMILAB. Expenses for substantial use of file storage and cloud computing resources will be charged according to the service provider's fees (file storage: currently 1.3 NOK per day and TB).
All prices excl. VAT. VAT is not charged for researchers with funds administered through UiB.