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West Virginia University Center for KINETIC Plasma Physics

Request for a Science Campaign

Proposals for Scientific Campaigns:

The scientists of the Center for KINETIC Plasma Physics welcome external users to submit proposals for scientific campaigns. While not funded as a national user facility, users can apply to carry out projects with the experimental and computational resources of the Center.

The following addresses questions about prosing a campaign:

  • Who can apply?

    • Any researcher in the USA or abroad may propose a scientific campaign. Collaboration with a Center member is required.

  • What research topics are allowed?

    • The primary focus of the Center is the study of ion and electron physics at the kinetic (sub gyroradius) scale in magnetized plasmas. Therefore, our diagnostic and computational tools are geared towards such studies. However, the facilities of the Center are unique and there may be new uses for our capabilities that have not been considered. Therefore, any scientifically meritorious topic will be considered. No projects that might damage the facilities will be approved. Projects that require a complete reconfiguration of the experiments are unlikely to be approved.

  • When are proposals due?

    • Proposals can be submitted at any time. Please note that it takes time to review proposals, so leave ample lead time for requests on time sensitive activities.

  • How do I apply?

    • Prepare a proposal (no more than 2 pages long) that answers the questions listed at the bottom of this page. Then email the proposal to earl.scime@mail.wvu.edu and paul.cassak@mail.wvu.edu

Proposals for campaigns that will require a modest commitment of personnel time and resources will be reviewed by the Center Director and Associate Director. More complex and resource-intensive campaign proposals will be reviewed by the Center’s Scientific Steering Committee, a panel consisting of Center Members and outside, independent plasma physics experts.

The merit review criteria for proposals are:

Scientific and/or technological significance (main impacts, anticipated benefits),

Appropriateness and feasibility of approach (adequate design and planning, likelihood of success),

Broader impacts (workforce development, diagnostics, etc.).

The proposal application asks for the following information:

  1. Name of Proposer
  2. Email address of Proposer
  3. Name and affiliations of others involved, if appropriate
  4. 500 Word Description of Proposed Project
  5. Describe resources needed to accomplish campaign (diagnostics, particular facility configuration, computational runs, etc.).
  6. Describe the expected major outcomes and expected publications
  7. Statement of how the proposed activity supports goals of the Center for KINETIC Plasma Physics
  8. Proposed timeline for the activity
  9. List all anticipated costs associated with the campaign, e.g., consumables, construction of new experimental components, etc.

Please contact the Center Director and/or Associate Director with questions. It is encouraged to discuss the request with them before submission.

Note: Users are required to acknowledge DOE and NSF support for KINETIC in any publications that result from the campaign.