2.1 How to apply to the MPL
- Please contact Dr Isabel Moraes to discuss your proposed project by email (i.moraes@imperial.ac.uk) or phone (01235 778 664).
- You will then be asked to complete an application form and risk assessment describing the proposed experiments. The application forms can be downloaded below.
- Please complete a safety risk assessment document for each sample you intend to bring to the MPL. Further samples can be added after the application but each sample will have to be reviewed and accepted by the DLS and Imperial safety departments before a visit can take place.
- Please also read the terms and conditions. In sending in the application, you agree to the terms and conditions in this document. * For urgent or timely projects, applications can be sent at any time and will be reviewed by the advisory board as necessary.
- The MPL also has calls for applications.
- All applications are reviewed by the MPL scientific advisory committee.
- Time will be allocated according to the needs of the project, a visit could be a few days, a few months or several repeat visits.
- Visitors can stay in the on-site accommodation for the duration of their visit, or make repeat visits to the MPL from their home lab.
2.2 Download application documents
Please download and complete the application and safety forms. Please also read the terms and conditions.
Please complete the risk assessment form for samples you may bring on site. Further risk assessments may be necessary before you arrive, depending on the initial assessment. Extra samples can be added after the application. At least one form per application will be needed at the time of the application. Please note that the MPL is a containment level 1 facility. There are currently no containment 2 or 3 laboratories on site.
2.3 Criteria for projects to be accepted
- The Scientific advisory board will decide which projects are allocated time at the MPL.
- Projects with reasonable levels of protein expression and purify would be considered higher priority.
- 1 mg of protein per litre of culture would be a good starting point, although we are always happy to discuss projects where this is not yet available.
- Projects to improve the expression and purity of membrane proteins would also be considered.
- These projects would require a considerable amount of time on site at the MPL, or extensive discussions, with development work in the home lab, prior to a visit.
- Research using MPL facilities should be publishable.
2.4 MPL Scientific Advisory Board
The MPL Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) consists of eminent membrane protein crystallographers, and representatives from industry and the Wellcome Trust. The SAC meets every 6 months to review the MPL developments.
The SAC will also review all applications to the MPL and decide which applications will be accepted.
The MPL Scientific Advisory Board members are:
- Prof. So Iwata, MPL Director, Imperial College London
- Prof. Dame Louise Johnson, Diamond Light Source.
- Dr Gwyndaf Evans, Principal beamline scientist for beamlines I04 and I24 at Diamond Light Source
- Prof. Peter Henderson, Leeds University
- Prof. Neil Isaacs, Glasgow University
- Dr Rob Cooke, GSK
- Dr Claire Braybrook, The Wellcome Trust
- Dr Isabel Moraes, MPL group leader, Imperial College London.