[FILM-Users 00323] updated of FILM charging rates from 1 April 2013

[Martin Spitaler]

Dear microscopists,

   based on recent developments of FILM costs and usage, we have now 
updated the charging rates for FILM usage to be applied from 1 April 
2013. I'm pleased to see that despite the challenging financial 
situation of many users, we have managed to keep our broad user base, 
allowing moderate changes to charges. As always, the updated rates can 
be found on the FILM website under GUIDELINES / CHARGES / INTERNAL.
<http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/imagingfacility/facility_guidelines/charges/charges_internal>


   Importantly, you will see that some charges will actually go down! 
This reflects a simple fact: FILM does NOT make any profit, charging 
rates are simply the CURRENT COSTS divided by the CURRENT USAGE. 
Whenever usage goes up, charges go down, as simple as that. Therefore: 
Don't try to save money in the wrong place, the more you use our 
microscopes, the lower the charging rates will be (with a slight 
delay)!! Be assured that we very much prefer you getting more out from 
our microscopes for the same money.


And in case you are confused by the different types of charging rates, 
here some explanation:

  The FEC RATES calculated by Research Support Services, and updated 
recently (see my email on 1 Feb 2013), are the estimates for FUTURE 
COSTS, for grants applied for now, but used in 1-5 years' time. They are 
updated once every year in January.

   The ACTUAL, CURRENT RATES are based on actual, current cost and usage 
data. We update them whenever usage or cost change significantly, but at 
least once a year (typically in April).

If you need any more information, please let me know.

Good imaging,

Martin

  * Internal charging rates  on the FILM website:
    <http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/imagingfacility/facility_guidelines/charges/charges_internal>
  * Email about FEC rates:
    <http://mailman.ic.ac.uk/pipermail/film-users/2013/000309.html>


  --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Martin Spitaler, PhD*

*FILM - Facility for Imaging by Light Microscopy*
- Facility Manager -
Sir Alexander Fleming Building, desk 401
Imperial College London / South Kensington
Exhibition Road
London SW7 2AZ
UK

Tel. +44-(0)20-759-42023
E-mail m.spitaler at imperial.ac.uk <mailto:m.spitaler at imperial.ac.uk>
Website: http://imperial.ac.uk/imagingfacility

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