This page provides guidance for applicants to the Excellence Cluster calls from Vetenskapsrådet and Vinnova on how to plan for and describe the use of Myfab infrastructure in their proposals.
About Myfab and Access to the Infrastructure
Myfab is a Swedish national research infrastructure for micro- and nanofabrication, serving both academic and industrial users. The infrastructure currently supports more than 850 users, of which approximately 80% are from academia and 20% from industry, representing around 120 companies. In total, 93 staff members are engaged in Myfab’s operations.
Myfab applies an open-access model based on user fees, with equal access conditions for academic and industrial users, regardless of home institution or company. Tool access fees are differentiated, with subsidized rates for academic users.
Users are required to complete a compulsory cleanroom training as well as tool-specific certification (“driver’s license”) before accessing equipment.
The Myfab laboratories at Chalmers University of Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Lund University, and Uppsala University operate under a common access model.
Further information:
- General information: https://myfab.se
- Pricing: https://myfab.se/services/pricing/
(Please note that pricing is updated regularly.)
Information to Include in Excellence Cluster Applications
Applicants to excellence cluster calls from Vetenskapsrådet and Vinnova are strongly encouraged to engage with relevant Myfab laboratories or its director Thomas Swahn (thomas.swahn@chalmers.se) at an early stage. This is important to ensure realistic planning, feasibility, and appropriate budgeting of micro- and nanofabrication activities.
Applications should include a description of the planned use of Myfab, including:
- Estimated annual usage
- Total user time (e.g. cleanroom hours)
- Required tools and processes
- Materials systems and fabrication approaches
- Indication of which Myfab laboratory/laboratories the cluster plans to use
- Infrastructure and development needs
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- Requirements for new equipment or upgrades
- Need for development of processes currently not available
- Support requirements
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- Need for support from Myfab staff to inexperienced users
- Expected need for specific process services
Early dialogue with Myfab is particularly important when planned activities rely on advanced or capacity-limited equipment, or when new process development is required.
Budget Considerations
The budget for the excellence cluster should include all costs associated with the planned use of Myfab, including:
- User fees (tool time, cleanroom access)
- Process service costs (if applicable)
- Costs related to dedicated support from Myfab staff
- Costs associated with new equipment (if relevant)
Applicants are encouraged to base cost estimates on current pricing and in consultation with Myfab laboratories.
Long-Term Commitments: Equipment and Personnel
If the application is planning for new equipment to be installed within a Myfab laboratory and primarily dedicated to the cluster activities, applicants are encouraged to contact the Myfab director Thomas Swahn, who will, together with the relevant node(s), discuss feasibility and conditions, as such arrangements deviates from Myfab’s current operational model. The same procedure applies if dedicated personnel is needed.