Accessing RITS
Research Instrumentation and Technical Support Laboratory
Access Overview
RITS supports both independent instrument users and clients who prefer staff‑performed analysis. This page outlines how to gain access, complete training, and understand the policies governing facility use.
RITS serves:
- University of Calgary researchers
- External academic institutions
- Government agencies
- Industry partners
Users may:
- Receive training and operate instruments independently (UofC affiliates only)
- Submit samples for staff‑performed analysis
- Consult with us on best approaches for answering your research question
Internal
Authorization Form
Complete and submit the Annual Authorization Form to cpe.rits@ucalgary.ca. The form must list the researcher(s) who will be using RITS, and be signed by the PI/supervisor.
Training
Authorized users contact RITS staff to arrange instrument training or submit samples. In most cases, users who wish to independently access instruments must have a sample ready prior to receiving instrument-specific training.
Reserve Instrument Time
Users who have completed all training requirements are granted keycard access to the lab and may reserve instrument time during lab business hours using the RITS booking calendar.
External
Identify Needs
Contact us to discuss your analytical testing and technical support needs. Typically, we will schedule a brief phone or virtual meeting to better understand your objectives and define the scope of our services prior to formal engagement.
Service Agreement
Once the scope of work is agreed upon, a Service Agreement is prepared for review and signature. For external clients, a modest retainer or pre‑payment may be required and will be applied toward the total project cost.
Sample Submission and Analysis
Samples may be dropped off directly at our lab during business hours, or mailed to us. Analytical testing is then scheduled and performed, with results delivered as outlined in the Service Contract.
Billing Process
Internal
- Usage is tracked through the booking calendar and billed in 30 minute increments. In some cases additional technician labor may be charged (e.g. instrument setup).
- Internal users are billed on a monthly basis via IDB to the account identified in the Annual Authorization Agreement.
External
- External users receive invoices via email on the basis outlined in the Service Agreement.
Cancellation & No Show Policy
- Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance
- No‑shows may incur full booking charges
Fees
Other Policies
Data Management Policy
- Users are responsible for backing up their data
- RITS retains data for a limited period
Acknowledgment Guidelines
Suggested wording:
"This work was supported by the Research Instrumentation and Technical Services (RITS) facility at the University of Calgary."