The Institute for Matter and Systems (IMS) announced that beginning September 1, 2025, the Materials Characterization Facility and the Micro/Nano Fabrication Facility will implement new user rates. The adjustment, the first since 2022, reflects rising operational costs and recent investments in state-of-the-art equipment.

Over the past three years, IMS Core Facilities have upgraded or added more than 60 toolsets, significantly expanding research capabilities for users across disciplines. At the same time, costs for personnel, utilities, specialty gases, maintenance, and consumables have increased. The new rate structure ensures the facilities’ financial sustainability while preserving the ability to deliver cutting-edge research support.

Despite the increase, IMS’s facilities continue to offer one of the best values of any academic institution in the country, providing access to advanced tools, expert staff, and collaborative opportunities at rates that remain highly competitive compared to peer institutions.

“Our mission has always been to provide researchers with world-class facilities that are both accessible and affordable,” said Eric Vogel, executive director of the Institute for Matter and Systems. “This rate adjustment allows us to keep that promise—sustaining our operations, supporting new capabilities, and ensuring that IMS remains the best value for fabrication and characterization research in the nation.”

The updated rate table is available online [insert link]. Current users with questions about the changes or their impact are encouraged to contact Walter Henderson, director of the Materials Characterization Facility and Gary Spinner, director of Cleanroom Operations.