SHARED-USE FACILITY
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find essential information about accessing USPMag facilities, planning analyses, preparing samples, costs, Grants, and acknowledging use of the laboratory.
DIDN'T FIND THE ANSWER? Ask
our team.
Every project has its own requirements. Our team can help identify the most suitable techniques, instruments, and work plan.
01
ACCESS AND SCHEDULING
How can I use USPMag?
General information to help you start planning a project using our facilities.
Who can use USPMag facilities?
USPMag's shared-use facilities are available to researchers, students, and research groups from USP and other institutions.
Access arrangements and administrative procedures may vary depending on the user's institution and the type of activity requested.
How do I request analyses?
Contact our team at uspmag@iag.usp.br and briefly describe your project and the analyses you would like to perform.
Whenever possible, also indicate the approximate number of samples, material type, techniques of interest, and preferred period of facility use.
I'm not sure which instrument or technique is most appropriate. Can I ask for guidance?
Yes. We recommend that users with questions about methods, protocols, or experimental planning contact our team before requesting a booking.
Discussing the scientific question in advance helps identify the most appropriate analyses and estimate the time required.
How long do the analyses take?
The time required depends on the type of analysis, number of samples, experimental protocol, and equipment availability.
The schedule is established with the team when planning the work.
Do I need to know how to operate the instruments?
Operating arrangements depend on the instrument and the activity. During planning, our team will explain the required procedures, training, and supervision.
02
SAMPLES AND ANALYSES
Before using the equipment
Sample shape, quantity, and preparation depend on the technique used.
Do samples need to be prepared in advance?
It depends on the analysis. Different instruments have specific requirements for sample size, shape, mass, and packaging.
We therefore recommend confirming these specifications with our team before preparing or shipping any material.
Does USPMag have sample preparation facilities?
Yes. The laboratory has a dedicated sample preparation room with cutting saws and a drill press for cutting and preparing specimens used in different protocols.
Use of these facilities must be arranged with our team in advance.
Can I ship samples to the laboratory?
Yes. Shipping must be arranged in advance with the USPMag team, particularly to confirm preparation requirements, quantities, packaging, and the planned analysis period.
Shipping address
USPMag — Laboratory of Paleomagnetism and Rock Magnetism
Institute of Astronomy, Geophysics and Atmospheric Sciences — IAG/USP
Rua do Matão, 1226 — Cidade Universitária
São Paulo — SP
Important: IAG does not receive deliveries outside business hours, on weekends, or on public holidays. Please arrange delivery for a business day during the Institute's opening hours.
Whenever possible, label the package for the attention of the USPMag team and notify us by email when the material has been shipped.
Does the laboratory store samples?
USPMag has space to organize and store materials associated with its scientific activities.
Storage of samples after completion of a project must be discussed with the team in advance.
03
COSTS, PAYMENTS, AND GRANTS
Payments and access options
Access is available through paid services or the Grants USPMag program. For paid services, requests must be submitted through the USP Multi platform.
Is using the equipment free of charge?
Not all access options are free. Fees depend on the user category, the technique requested, and the conditions of facility access.
Projects selected through the Grants USPMag have access to the facilities during the approved period without equipment-use charges.
How are analyses paid for?
In the request submitted through USP Multi, use the Notes field to provide all information required to identify the project and issue an invoice, as required by your institution or supporting foundation.
This information is used to process billing. If it is omitted from the request, the invoice may be issued without project-specific details.
The user is responsible for providing these details correctly when submitting the request. USPMag is not responsible for determining or verifying the information required by the institution making the payment.
Who issues the invoice?
USPMag does not issue invoices directly.
Invoices for services provided are issued by FUSP — Fundação de Apoio à Universidade de São Paulo, which handles the administrative and financial processing of charges.
What is Grants USPMag?
It is a program for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at Brazilian public or private universities.
The program selects six projects per semester. Selected students receive 10 business days of access to USPMag facilities, with no equipment-use charges during the grant period.
When can I apply for Grants?
Proposals are accepted until April 30, for projects planned between July and December of the same year, and until October 30, for projects planned between January and June of the following year.
Can I talk to the team before submitting a Grant proposal?
Yes — and we encourage it.
Applicants can contact our team to discuss techniques, feasibility, sample numbers, and the measurement schedule before submitting a proposal.
04
DATA AND PUBLICATIONS
After the analyses
Use of the facilities must be acknowledged in work based on data collected at the laboratory.
Do I need to acknowledge USPMag in publications?
Yes. Use of the laboratory must be formally acknowledged in communications that use data obtained at IAG-USP facilities.
PORTUGUESE
“Este trabalho foi (parcialmente) desenvolvido no laboratório USPMag no Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas (IAG) na Universidade de São Paulo (USP) financiado por CAPES/FAPESP/CNPQ.”
ENGLISH
“This work has been (partially) performed at USPMag lab at Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas (IAG) at Universidade de São Paulo (USP) funded by CAPES/FAPESP/CNPQ”
Can I discuss the results with the laboratory team?
Technical questions about measurements, protocols, and equipment operation can be discussed with the team as the work progresses.
05
VISITS AND CONTACT
Would you like to visit the laboratory?
Please contact us before visiting USPMag.
Can I visit USPMag?
Yes. Anyone interested in seeing the laboratory facilities may request a visit.
Visits must be scheduled in advance by email.
How can I get in touch?
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Your project can begin with a conversation.
Contact the USPMag team to discuss techniques, equipment, sample preparation, and options for using our facilities.