By participating in the Shared Microscope Resource at the MBI, you agree to the following terms and conditions:
- Resource Access:
a. The shared microscope resource is available exclusively to MBI-affiliated faculty members at the University of Florida. If you are not already an MBI member, you may sign up for free here.
b. Access to the resource is granted upon contribution of a microscope to the shared pool.
c. Each faculty member is entitled to use any microscope within the shared resource for their research projects, subject to availability and scheduling. - Microscope Contributions:
a. Faculty members willing to contribute their microscopes to the shared resource must provide detailed information regarding the make, model, specifications, and condition of the microscope.
b. The contributed microscopes should be in good working order and properly maintained.
c. By contributing a microscope, faculty members agree to make it accessible to other participants of the shared resource.
d. Administration of training procedures, use requirements/parameters, etc. will be determined by each contributing member. - Resource Management:
a. The shared microscope resource will be managed by a resource manager appointed by MBI Director and Chair of Neuroscience, Dr. Jen Bizon.
b. The resource manager(s) will oversee the scheduling, maintenance, and usage of the microscopes.
c. Participants are required to follow the guidelines provided by the resource manager regarding microscope reservations, usage time limits, and any specific handling instructions. - Usage Guidelines:
a. Microscopes within the shared resource are to be used solely for academic and research purposes related to brain research at the University of Florida.
b. Participants share responsibility for ensuring proper handling and care of the microscopes during their usage. Participants may be asked to contribute materials required for ongoing maintenance-function of the instruments (e.g., basic consumables) and/or staff time for assisting with repairs as appropriate.
c. Any damage or malfunction should be reported immediately to the resource manager to facilitate timely repairs or replacements.
d. All users must be trained and cleared for usage by Dr. Coleman.
e. The co-op practice is to “leave it better than you found it.” Care must be taken to prepare the instrument and room environment for the next user (including waste removal, notification of low-stock consumables, instrument needs/issues).
f. Participants agree to follow any additional guidelines (or modifications) set forth by each instrument contributor/PI for their individual instruments. - Usage Scheduling:
a. Participants must schedule microscope usage in advance through the designated reservation system or by coordinating with the resource manager, Dr. Coleman.
b. Priority may be given to time-sensitive or critical research projects, as determined by the resource manager and the committee.
c. Participants should respect the reservation time limits to allow fair access to all faculty members. - Confidentiality and Intellectual Property:
a. Participants are expected to adhere to ethical standards and maintain confidentiality regarding any sensitive or proprietary information observed during microscope usage.
b. Intellectual property rights related to research conducted using the shared microscopes remain with the individual researchers or their respective research groups. - Liability and Indemnity:
a. MBI, the Department of Neuroscience and the resource manager will not be held liable for any loss, damage, or injury resulting from the usage of the shared microscopes.
b. Participants agree to indemnify and hold MBI, the Department of Neuroscience, the resource manager, and other participants harmless from any claims, costs, or damages arising out of their use of the shared resource. - Modification and Termination:
a. The MBI and Department of Neuroscience reserve the right to modify or terminate the shared microscope resource at any time, with or without prior notice.
b. Participants will be informed of any significant changes or termination of the resource, and alternative arrangements will be made for the return of contributed microscopes.
By utilizing the shared microscope resource, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to abide by the above terms and conditions. Failure to comply with these terms may result in the suspension or termination of your access to the shared resource.