FAQs

Do I need to register?

We always recommend that anyone associated with a proposal registers as a user, but initially it is only required for the PI who is submitting a proposal. The person listed as the PI on the proposal receives all the communications regarding the allocation process and is responsible for submitting the User Work Submittal (UWS) form if the proposal is accepted (or emailing the CNM User Office to designate a delegate). If your proposal is accepted, then anyone listed on the UWS needs to register or have current user registration.

Why am I being asked to register as a user?

In addition to registration granting access (remote and in person) to Argonne National Laboratory, all users listed on an active user proposal are requested to have active user registration in order to be counted as a CNM user in our yearly reports for the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences. Your registration is greatly appreciated to better reflect our user community for future considerations. If you have been contacted, please register as a user at your earliest convenience. We appreciate your assistance.

As a current registered user, when do I need to register again?

User registration is active for two years until your non-US documentation (passport, visa, etc.) expires, whichever comes first. You will not need to register again until less than 3 months before your user registration expiration date.

The only exceptions are if your employer changes, your contact information needs to be updated, or if your emergency contact needs to be updated. If registering for one of those purposes, please be sure to specify the reason so that your information can be updated.

You can view your current user registration status under the Profile tab in your CNM User Portal.

My user registration expired. Why can't I register as a returning user?

Answer: Once your user registration expired, your Argonne domain account was disabled. You will need to register as a new user and include your badge number so that your updated information will be linked to your previous account.

What is an ORCiD ID?

ORCiD stands for Open Research and Contributor ID and is required for registering as a user and submitting a CNM user proposal. Please visit the ORCiD home page to learn more.

Why can’t I log in to CNM User Portal with my ORCiD ID?

It may be that your ORCiD is not currently linked to your user account. Please contact the CNM User Office for assistance.

How can I activate or change my Argonne Domain Account password?

Please test your Argonne Domain Account to see if it is working. If your password has been disabled, you can reset using your Password Enrollment Profile. For any assistance or if you do not have a Password Enrollment Profile, please contact the Argonne Service Desk at 630-252-9999, option 4.

Why is the APS User Office emailing me?

The APS User Office processes the user registrations for both the APS and the CNM. If they reach out with questions about your registration, please be sure to reply promptly.

What is a SciCon?

SciCon is short for your scientific contact. This is the CNM staff person assigned to assist with your proposal. They are identified in your allocation email and can be viewed in the external proposal system or in your People record by clicking on your name in the top right at inside.cnm.anl.gov and looking under the Proposal tab. Please note your People record is an internal webpage and is only available if you are on site, VPN’d in, or if you go in through dash.anl.gov.

When are the proposal calls?

The CNM has three proposal calls per year . Proposals are usually due near the beginning of March, July, and November.

How do I submit a proposal?

For all the steps on how to become a user, including submitting a proposal, please visit our Quick Start Guide or submit your proposal in the CNM User Portal.

What is the difference between Proprietary and Nonproprietary?

Nonproprietary work indicates you plan to make your results available to the public (e.g. publish your research results in open scientific literature). There is no cost to use the CNM for nonproprietary proposals.

Proprietary work means that the work is intended to be kept private and the users will retain title to their inventions. Access to the CNM facilities is available for proprietary research with an approved proprietary proposal on a cost-recovery basis.

What are the steps for a Proprietary proposal?

If you plan to submit a proprietary proposal, the next steps would involve confirming you have a proprietary user agreement and requesting a non-disclosure agreement. If your proprietary proposal is allocated, you will need to arrange for a pre-paid account and determine the cost recovery rates. Contact CNM User Office for assistance. More information is available by visiting our CNM Proprietary Research page.

How can I edit the proposal I submitted before it is sent for review?

Please contact CNM User Office for assistance.

How soon will I know if my proposal is allocated?

The peer review process for proposals can take 6-8 weeks past the Proposal Call Deadline. Allocation notifications will be sent at that time.

If accepted, how long will I have to activate my proposal and how long will my proposal be active?

Users have one year to activate an allocated proposal. Once activated, the proposal is active for 18 months.

The Proposal Calls page says I need an ANL badge number, but I already have one. Why can’t I submit a proposal?

Your CNM user registration does not have connectivity with your ORCiD, which is required for proposal submission. You will need to renew your registration and authenticate CNM as a Trusted Party in your account. When your registration is approved, you will be able to submit a proposal.

Why can’t I find my PI and other co-proposers names in the dropdown?

To be included in the UPS drop-down fields, participants must be registered CNM users with a badge number and linked ORCID ID account. They also need to have logged into UPS and completed their user profile. Once these steps are completed, their names will appear in the drop-down menu.

Users can view their user registration status in the CNM User Portal. As long as an ORCID account is linked and a badge number has been assigned, users can have pending or expired access and still appear in the UPS.

How do I find my draft proposal in the Universal Proposal System (UPS) to continue the submission process?

Log into the UPS and click on My Dashboard from the green menu bar at the top. Go to the Center for Nanoscale Materials section and click on the Draft tab. Click on the proposal number to open your draft proposal.

I started a proposal, but I lost access. How did this happen, and how do I get it back?

You must add yourself as a PI, co-PI, or co-proposer on a proposal in order to have access to that proposal. If you remove yourself from a proposal that you have already started, you will lose access. Contact the CNM User Office to be added back onto the proposal and regain access.

I made a mistake on my ETR. How can I edit it?

Once an ETR is saved, it cannot be edited. If you have made a mistake, you can delete the ETR and start a new one.

What is the "1^st choice resource" in the Experiment Time Request (ETR) section? How do I determine what to select? Can I add more than one?

This is the group that manages your main capability request. In the additional questions section you will be able to determine the group for your capabilities request, and you can return to the ETR to fill in the "1^st choice resource" or you can refer to the CNM Tools and Capabilities list to determine the group. Only one ETR is required but you can add additional ETRs by clicking the “add new request” button.

What do I put for the "Days Requested this ETR" in the Experiment Time Request (ETR) section?

This is an estimated time for your experiments. It is just an estimate to aid the reviewers and will not determine the amount of time you receive at the CNM. All proposals will be active for 18 months. If you do not know the estimated time, just use 18 months.

I noticed a mistake on my proposal after submission. How do I fix it?

After submission, you cannot edit your proposal. Please review your proposal thoroughly prior to submission. If changes need to be made, the CNM User Office can adjust the following fields ONLY: title, experimenters, review panel choice, primary and secondary areas of research, abstract, and keywords. Contact CNM User Office for assistance.

What does my proposal status mean in the UPS?

Please refer to your Proposal Dashboard in the CNM User Portal for the correct status of your proposal.

Can I copy a proposal from one cycle to the next?

No, proposals cannot be copied. You can download or print your proposal from the review page of your proposal to use as a template for future submissions.

Can I copy a proposal from one facility to another?

No. Each facility has specific questions and requirements for their proposals that must be responded to individually.

Why doesn’t a specific proposal show up on my list of proposals?

Please reach out to CNM User Office.

How do I activate my proposal?

Once your proposal has been reviewed and you have received notification about allocation, you have one year to activate your proposal. The PI begins the process by submitting the safety documentation (user work submittal) provided in the allocation. If the PI would prefer a delegate complete the UWS, the PI will need to email CNM User Office with the proposal number and name of the preferred delegate.

What is a UWA?

User Work Authorization (UWA) is how we refer to a fully activated proposal. It means the proposal has been allocated, the PI has submitted the safety documentation (user work submittal), and our safety coordinator has fully approved the documentation. A fully approved UWA is required before any work can be done on a proposal.

How do I sign my User Work Authorization (UWA)?

A pdf copy of the UWA is sent with the proposal activation notification. You may also request a copy from the CNM User Office. Please sign the UWA (either electronic signature, printed, signed, and scanned, or in-person at the User Office) and return it to CNM User Office. You can send your signatures in individually or as a group.

How do I add a user to my existing UWA?

Email your scientific contact with the user’s name, badge number, and the UWA number. If they do not currently have a badge number or have expired registration, please have them register as a user first. Once added, the user can access the next steps in our User Quick Start Guide .

Why isn’t there a line for me to sign on the User Work Authorization (UWA)?

This means that you are not listed as coming to site on the UWA. Please reach out to your scientific contact to update your user status for the UWA. Once processed, the updated UWA will have a line available for you to sign. Please reach out to the user office or your SciCon for a pdf to sign.

My proposal will need more than 18 months. How do I continue access?

Users are welcome to submit a new proposal for review. Please be sure to list your previous proposal and include any findings, details, and publications resulting from your initial access to the CNM. To avoid loss of access, be sure to check your proposal expiration date and identify the correct Proposal Call for submission by adding in 6-8 weeks after deadline to allow for review and allocation notification. If allocated, users have up to one year to activate a new proposal; you can wait to activate the new proposal until closer to when the first is due to expire.

Where can I find more information about Carbon?

We recommend visiting wiki.anl.gov/cnm/faq for guidance and requirements.

How can I access an internal webpage from an external location?

Please visit dash.anl.gov and log in with your Argonne Domain Account. Select “Use light version.” Click on the Apps tab to see all available applications and select the internet browser from the list to open a browser within your browser. After logging in with your Argonne domain account a second time, you’ll be able to enter the internal web page in the internal address bar.

How do I find the status of my proposal?

For proposals in draft status that have not yet been submitted, please log in to the Universal Proposal System (UPS). Once the proposal is submitted, all non-beamline proposals transfer to our internal CNM proposal system and the status can be found in the Proposal tab in the CNM User Portal.

Please note that the status in the UPS after the non-beamline proposal is submitted does not reflect the accurate status of your proposal.

For beamline-only proposals, please reference the UPS system and the APS user steps.

How can I find my current user training status?

Either contact CNM User Office or log in to the CNM User Portal and click on the Training tab.

My SOP requires online training beyond the core CNM user courses. How do I access those from outside Argonne?

Please visit dash.anl.gov and log in with your Argonne Domain Account. Select “Use light version.” Click on the Apps tab to see all available applications and select TMS. If needed, log in again with your Argonne Domain Account. Click on Enroll in an Elective. Type in the training course you need to take. A pop-up window will then provide a link “This course is also available online located here” you can click and then proceed to take the training.

What are and how do I attend Office Hours?

Office Hours go over any questions and requirements prior to your first visit. They are held every Friday from 11am-12pm on Zoom. Please email CNM User Office with your preferred date of attendance. If a Friday at that time is not feasible for your schedule, an alternate date and time can be provided.

How can I acknowledge my SOP training?

The tool/process custodian who gave you the training will send you an email with a link to acknowledge your training. You will need to log in using your Argonne Domain Account. If you have any trouble, you can also access your training acknowledgement links here: https://pico.cnm.anl.gov/live/experiments/acknowledge_training.php. If you are on site, VPN’d in, or have gone in through Dash, you can also try inside.cnm.anl.gov and click on the “Acknowledge Training” link at the top.

How can I find if I’m authorized on an SOP?

Either contact CNM User Office or log in to the CNM User Portal and click on the Prox Card Access tab. Find the SOP and check to see if your status is “allowed”. If your access status is “not allowed,” you are not fully authorized on the SOP. You can check your SOP and core user training status by clicking on the Training tab. Please reach out to the CNM User Office or the SOP custodian with any questions.

How can I see if I have prox card access to a lab?

Either contact CNM User Office or log in to the CNM User Portal and click on the Prox Card Access tab. Find the Room you want to access in the table. The access status (7am-7pm M-F, 7am-7pm S-S, or 24/7) is viewable in the last three columns of the row. Please confirm with your tool/process custodian if you will need to be accompanied by a CNM staff member during off hours. Reach out to the CNM User Office or the SOP custodian with any questions.

How do I find the SOPs listed on my UWA?

Either contact CNM User Office or log in to the CNM User Portal and click on the Proposals tab. Find your UWA number in the ID column. Click on the PDF icon in the Actions column to view the most recent version of the UWA. Inside the PDF, scroll down to section 1.6 Processes to view all the SOPs currently listed. Alternately, you can click on the Prox Card Access tab to view the SOPs organized by room.

What steps are needed to gain onsite access to the CNM?

All users need to have active user registration, a signed UWA, and be current on core CNM user training. Access to specific labs will be authorized once training is completed for any SOPs associated with the lab you are trying to access (meaning you were given and acknowledged the training and the tool/process custodian authorized you). Please contact the CNM User Office for assistance.

Do I need a gate pass or a user badge?

Due to a change in Argonne policy, users are now being issued photo gate passes for up to a maximum of 6 months from the date it is issued, depending on your user registration/site access expiration dates. Users are also required to have current core user training and an active UWA.

Please note that users coming to Argonne for an event outside of CNM such as a tour, seminar, workshop, conference, etc. will require access and gate passes from the host’s division.

Why isn’t the SOP I need listed in my UWA or under the Prox Card Access tab in the CNM User Portal?

If a specific tool or process you need isn’t appearing under the Prox Card Access tab or in section 1.6 of your UWA, please reach out to your Scientific Contact to see if it falls within the original scope of work and can be added.

What is a prox card?

A proximity card (prox card) will give you access to the labs and buildings where you have been fully authorized. Due to a recent change, your gate pass is now being printed directly on your prox card at the Argonne Welcome Center rather than being issued separately. Be sure to tell them you are a CNM user. Once you are fully authorized on an SOP, our system will automatically give you access to the labs and buildings associated with the authorized SOP.

Note that any card issued at the Argonne Welcome Center will automatically update in the CNM user system and transfer permissions to the new card. You can confirm your prox card number and access in the CNM User Portal.

How do I make a tool reservation?

Tool reservations are scheduled here: https://ppms.us/anl/login/?pf=2. Please note that tool reservations, if needed, are required in addition to scheduling your visit in the Visit Management System. Authorization to reserve tools is decided by the tool custodian. Please confirm with your tool custodian if users can schedule in advance of training, after being fully trained/authorized, or if requests need to be emailed directly to the tool custodian for them to reserve.

Why isn’t my prox card granting me access?

Some of the common issues regarding prox card access can be resolved by making sure you have emailed your signed UWA to CNM User Office, are current on your core CNM user training, and are fully authorized on the SOP associated with the lab you are trying to access (meaning you were given and acknowledged the training and the tool/process custodian authorized you). Please contact the CNM User Office for assistance.

Is there somewhere to park when I visit the CNM?

The parking lot in front of the CNM is available for all users and staff. No parking passes, permissions, or costs are required.

How can I get around campus without a vehicle?

LabCab is a free, on-campus shuttle service offered Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm. Download the TripShot app and review the How-to Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Another option would be our Bike Share Program where you can find more information and the links to the required training and waiver.

How do I get access during off hours?

Please note that off hours access is at the discretion and determination of both your SciCon and the tool/process custodian for the SOP you are asking to access. Contact your SciCon to request off hours be added to your UWA. Off hours access is defined by your SciCon as escorted or unescorted by a CNM staff member and can be Saturday & Sunday 7am-7pm or 24/7. Once your SciCon has updated your UWA, contact the tool/process custodian to request off hours access. If approved, the custodian will update your authorization in the SOP to indicate escorted/unescorted by CNM staff and determine Saturday & Sunday 7am-7pm or 24/7. Your prox card will automatically grant you off hours access to the labs associated with the SOP once your SciCon and the tool/process custodian have granted unescorted off hours access on both the UWA and SOP. Graduate students require additional approvals that may take time to process.

What does “escorted” off hours access mean?

If your SciCon and the tool/process custodian of the SOP you want to access have granted access to the CNM during off hours with a CNM escort, it means that you will be able to enter the building outside of the hours of 7am-7pm Monday – Friday, but that you will not be able to access the lab without a CNM staff member with you. The escorted or unescorted status is at the discretion of your SciCon and the tool/process custodian.

What are the types of off hours available?

The CNM operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. If you would like to access the CNM outside of those hours, you would need to be given permission by your SciCon on an active UWA and by the tool/process custodian of the SOP you want to access. The two types of off hours are Saturday & Sunday 7am-7pm or 24/7. The first option would give you access to the CNM any day of the week from 7am – 7pm. The 24/7 option would give you additional access overnight. Please note that off hours access does not include lab closures or holidays.

What do I do if I’m arriving during off hours and don’t have a physical gate pass or badge?

If you have current user registration, are arriving during off hours, and do not have a current gate pass or badge, please email the CNM user office with your estimated date and time of arrival. A gate pass will be requested for your arrival and be available at the guard booth located at the main entrance to Argonne off Cass Avenue. You will need to return to the Argonne Welcome Center during their normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 7:30 am – 3:30 pm) to obtain your photo gate pass and prox card (if needed).

Should my gate pass have a photo?

For users without a photo in the gate pass system, the Argonne Welcome Center will take your picture and issue a gate pass without a photo. You will need to show REAL ID to the guard at the security booth in addition to your gate pass when entering site. You are welcome to go back and exchange your gate pass for a photo gate pass once the system has uploaded your picture (at least 24 hours later). The photo gate pass does not require additional identification when going through the security checkpoint.

Do I need to return my user badge or gate pass?

Upon expiration, users are required to return their user badges to the Argonne Welcome Center or to mail the badge to the address listed on the back of the badge. Gate passes do not need to be returned and can be disposed of once they are expired.

What buildings at Argonne do CNM users have access?

CNM Users have access to the following Buildings when onsite at Argonne as a facility user (only access to the following building are permitted and access is dependent on training):

• CNM complex (Building 440-441)
• CNM laboratory space (Building 200)
• Electron Microscopy Facilities (Building 212)
• Electron Microscopy Facilities (Building 216)
• Sectors 8 and 26 at the APS Experiment hall (Building 400)
• Argonne Shipping (Building 46)
• Argonne Cafeteria (Building 213, daytime only)
• Argonne Guest House (Building 460, daytime only if staying offsite)