Table of Contents
What is the difference between samples and measurements/credits regarding payment?
Key Differences
Multiple Measurements Per Sample:
- A single sample can undergo multiple different types of measurements
- For example, one physical sample could be measured using each of HR-XRPD, TS-PDF, and SAXS modes to get the most information about the sample. This would count as three measurements and therefore require three measurement credits.
Measurement Credits
- You purchase measurement credits up front that can be applied to perform measurements during any of our available beamtimes for up to a year.
- Each credit allows you to perform one type of measurement (HR-XRPD, TS-PDF or SAXS) on any sample.
Flexibility of Credits:
- Purchased measurement credits can be used flexibly during any of our beamtimes within 12 months.
- You can apply them to different samples at different times.
- You can choose which type of measurement to use for each credit (HR-XRPD, TS-PDF, or SAXS).
Volume Discounts:
- Discounts apply based on the number of measurement credits purchased, not the number of samples.
- For example, purchasing 100 credits costs less per measurement than purchasing 10.
Usage Tracking:
- In your account, you'll see your remaining measurement credit balance.
- Each time a measurement request is completed, the respective number of credits will be deducted from your balance.
Example Scenario
If you purchase 10 measurement credits, you could measure:
- 10 different samples with one measurement type each
- 5 different samples with two measurement types each
- any other combination that sums 10 measurements
What is the pricing structure for measurements?
1. FAIR Data Pricing (Lower Cost)
FAIR data stands for findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability. This means that after an embargo period (typically 2 years, or 6 months for participants of our OSCARS/MatScatNet project), your measurement data will be made available in our open-access database for the scientific community. During the embargo period, you have exclusive access.
Benefits of FAIR data pricing:
- Significantly lower cost (35% less expensive than proprietary pricing)
- Contributes to scientific progress and open science initiatives
- May fulfill open data requirements from funding agencies
- Your contribution is acknowledged and may result in increased citation of your work
- You maintain full publication rights and first-use advantage
FAIR data pricing examples:
- 1 measurement: €94.25 per measurement
- 10 measurements: €80.71 per measurement
- 100 measurements: €50.13 per measurement
- 500 measurements: €46.43 per measurement
2. Proprietary Pricing (Higher Cost)
Proprietary Data means your measurement data remains completely private and will never be shared in our database or with third parties. This option provides complete data confidentiality.
Benefits of Proprietary pricing:
- Complete confidentiality of your data in perpetuity
- Suitable for commercially sensitive research
- No data sharing obligations
- Full control over who can access your data
Proprietary pricing examples:
- 1 measurement: €145.00 per measurement
- 10 measurements: €124.17 per measurement
- 100 measurements: €77.12 per measurement
- 500 measurements: €71.42 per measurement
Why the Price Difference?
The price difference between FAIR and Proprietary options reflects our commitment to open science and the added value that shared data brings to the scientific community. By choosing FAIR data pricing, you're not only saving on costs but also contributing to a growing database of materials characterization data that benefits researchers worldwide. The FAIR option aligns with the principles of the OSCARS/MatSCatNet project, which aims to build an open-access database of high-quality materials characterization data while still protecting researchers' rights to first publication of their results.
Choosing the Right Option
When deciding between FAIR data and Proprietary pricing, consider:
- The sensitivity of your research
- Your budget constraints
- Any open data requirements from your funding sources
- Your commitment to open science principles
How can I get a formal quotation for measurements?
Can I purchase measurements/credits to use flexibly throughout the year?
Are there additional costs that I should be aware of?
Apart from the shipping costs, there are no other costs associated with sample submission, data processing, or retrieval.
Can I get further discounts for bulk purchases of large quantities of measurement credits or getting longer credit validity timeframes?