Overview
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) scientific user facilities – the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) – are US Department of Energy sponsored research facilities open to researchers for advancing research in science and technology. HFIR and SNS, two of the world’s most advanced neutron scattering research facilities, offer thirty instruments covering a wide range of science and capabilities. Beam time is granted through the User Program and is free of charge with the condition researchers publish their results, making them available to the scientific community.
For Industries interested in learning more about proprietary research or how neutrons can help solve problems in industry, visit the Industrial Applications Program webpage.
General User Proposal Calls
Proposal calls are typically held bi-annually in the spring and fall. Submissions for the 2026-B General User proposal call are due by noon (Eastern) on March 4, 2026, for experiments to run July – December 2026.
More details are provided on the proposal calls webpage.
Guidance regarding onsite visits can be found on the Plan Your Visit webpage.
Contact the User Office
The User Office is responsible for many aspects of the User Program. From submitting a proposal to coordinating your site access and training, the User Office staff are available to assist and answer your questions.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 865-574-4600
Becoming a User
Download the Flyer
User Office Staff
| User Program Manager | Janell Thomson |
| User Program Outreach Lead | Michelle Dolgos |
| Research Proposal Coordinator | Jennifer Earles |
| User Assistant | George WIlliams |
| Product Manager | Robert Benson |
| User Facilities Analyst | Rohit Srivastava |
| User Assistant | Stephanie Hembree |
| User Assistant | Ruthie Powell |
| User Assistant | Alyson Sommers |
| User Technical Coordinator | Diana Evans-Garcia |
Other Useful Contacts
| Sample Management | Luke Heroux |
| Data Management | Bob Kleamovich |
| Sample Environment | Gary Lynn |
| Industrial Users Point of Contact | Michelle Dolgos |
| User Agreements | [email protected] |
| ORNL Visitor Center | [email protected] 865-574-7199 |
| ORNL Guest House | 568-576-8101 |
| ORNL Guest House Manager | Deborah McCleary 865-574-4532 |
INTRODUCTION
BECOME A USER
Integrated Proposal Tracking System (IPTS)
Scientific Review Committee (SRC)
New User Beamtime (NUBe) Program
USER GUIDE
User Guide to Remote Experiments
SUPPORT
Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS)
Integrated Proposal Tracking System (IPTS)