Access Application Process
Users will obtain access to the ISN only when all steps have been completed.
Please read through the entire list before beginning.
We recommend completing the steps in the order presented.
US government researchers require visiting appointments to use MIT research facilities. US government researchers who need MIT visiting appointments in order to access ISN facilities should contact Josh Freedman.
Anyone wanting to access ISN facilities must comply with any and all MIT regulations pertaining to MIT campus access.
If your PI or advisor has told that you will have an office, desk, or area of laboratory space assigned to you, a request for this space must be made via email to Amy Tatem-Bannister by your research advisor or an ISN-approved member of your research group.
Procedure
Request Access
Complete the online ISN Access Request Form. The form requires the upload of a clear digital photo of your face for your access file, so please prepare by having one available.
You will be emailed a login and password to the ISN Intranet once your form has been processed.
Register for ISN Equipment Training
Authorization for the use of many ISN instruments requires hands-on training in the operation of those instruments. Most equipment training is scheduled via the ISN Intranet.
Training must be completed in-person under the supervision of the appropriate ISN-approved personnel. Demand can be high and available sessions are limited, so it is recommended that training arrangements be made as soon as possible to avoid delays.
On the ISN Intranet home page:
- From the top navigation bar, select Laboratory > View Equipment,
- Look up the equipment on which you need training,
- Click the Request Training link to generate an email to the appropriate ISN-authorized personnel.
The appropriate trainer will reply to your email to schedule a mutually acceptable date and time for your training.
Research Group-Managed Facilities and Equipment
Training may not be available through the ISN Intranet for:
- Equipment that is located at the ISN but managed by a specific research group,
- Laboratory space that has been assigned to a specific research group, or
- Fume hood space that has been assigned to a specific research group.
Training for such facilities must be arranged directly through the research group in question. Completion of this training will be confirmed to ISN laboratory management by your trainer.
Complete ISN Equipment Training
Complete equipment training scheduled in Step 2.
Read Required Safety Documentation
Read the ISN Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) and the ISN Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP), available on the Essential ISN Documents page. (Touchstone authenticated)
Complete MIT EHS Training Courses
Use of ISN facilities requires completion of specific MIT Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) courses, most of which are scheduled through the Learning Center tab in MIT Atlas.
Basic access to ISN labs requires completion of the following required MIT EHS courses:
- ISN Lab-Specific Safety Training (EHS 171)*
- General Chemical Hygiene (EHS 100)
- Nanomaterials Safety and Health (EHS 193)
- Managing Hazardous Waste (EHS 501)
* ISN Lab-Specific Training (EHS 171) sessions are held via Zoom every Thursday afternoon from 12:00–1:15pm. No reservations are necessary to attend. Contact Amy Tatem-Bannister for the current week's training link.
Materials and Equipment-Specific MIT EHS Training
Additional MIT EHS training is required if working with equipment or materials using:
- Biological materials/samples — General Biosafety for Researchers (EHS 260) & Initial - Bloodborne Pathogens for Researchers (EHS 200w)
- Radioactive materials/samples — Radiation Safety, Part 1 (Webcourse, EHS 300w) & Part 2 (Practicum, EHS 302c)
- X-Rays — X-Ray Safety (EHS 361c)
- Lasers — Laser Safety, Part 1 (EHS 371w) & Part 2 (EHS 376w)
Confirm Your Training
When completion has been verified by the appropriate ISN team member, you will be informed via email that ISN access has been added to your MIT ID card.
Contact Amy Tatem-Bannister, copying Donna Johnson, when you have completed all requirements for access.
Get Access to the Tools You Need
The ISN has established a world-class stable of laboratory equipment that is available for use by the MIT research community. Read on for a list of available instruments at the ISN's Technology Square facility.