In this section
Calls for access to ISIS
ISIS issues two facility access calls per year in spring and autumn, known as 'Direct Access'. See below for details on current and upcoming calls.
Upcoming Call (26-2)
Call for access will open on Monday 2 March 2026
Applications for TS1 and TS2 instruments will be invited
Call deadline will be 17:00 BST Monday 20 April 2026
- Access likely to be scheduled from November 2026
- Access panel meetings will take place 3-4 June 2026, with results to PIs expected by early July 2026
Please speak to a relevant instrument scientist before submitting your proposal.
An experimental team must come to ISIS to perform the experiment. Please ensure you have an experiment team able to come physically to ISIS before submitting a proposal.
If experimental time on multiple instruments is required, please submit a separate proposal application for each.
Terms and Conditions for access
Terms and Conditions, along with associated policies and guidance, outlining the rules and responsibilities you agree to when using our services.
Guidelines for writing a good proposal science case
Beamtime allocations are highly competitive and in high demand. Explore guidance, tips, and templates to help you write a strong and successful proposal.
Experimental support
See what support is available during your experiment, including sample environment equipment and laboratories.
Use of AI in writing proposals
If artificial intelligence (AI) is used to write any part of your proposal or science case, you must declare this. See here for our policy on the use of AI.
Future calls
Round 27-1
Due to a planned long shutdown (approximately six months) in 2027 there will be no access call issued in autumn 2026.
Contact the ISIS User Office
If you have any queries regarding access or your experiment please contact the ISIS User Office
Email: isisuo@stfc.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1235 445592 (ext 5592)
The User Office can be found in the Reception Building (R75) at the main STFC RAL site entrance
Office hours:
08:00 – 16:00 Monday – Thursday
08:00 – 15:00 Friday
Outside of normal office hours please contact the ISIS Main Control Room on:
+44(0)1235 446789 (ext 6789)
