The facilities are open to personnel from both the University of Hong Kong and external organizations. Scientists, researchers, and students whose projects require the laboratory equipment are welcome to use the facilities.

UCF staff can advise on specimen preparation, instrument operation, and data interpretation. Because many new users are unfamiliar with the instruments, staff provide individualized or small‑group training in basic operation. An introductory course is offered regularly, and all graduate students planning to use UCF facilities are encouraged to attend. The goal of training is to enable users to operate UCF equipment independently. While staff primarily assist users to obtain their own results rather than perform routine characterizations as a service, consulting arrangements with individual staff members may be arranged in specific cases; please contact the laboratory manager. Initiating collaborative research between laboratory staff and users from the University or other academic or industrial institutions is welcomed.

Regulations

• Regular Service hours - Monday to Friday, 09:30–17:30.
• Safety course requirement - All users must complete the designated safety course before entering any specific laboratory e.g. Cleanroom that requires special safety clearance.
• X‑ray equipment operation certification - Users must obtain an operation certificate issued by Safety Office before operating any X‑ray equipment independently. Registration is granted only after successful completion of the required training and assessment.
• UCF users - Prospective UCF users must submit proposed studies for approval by the unit management committee.
• Late cancellation - If cancellation is not made two working days in advance, charges for the booked session(s) will apply even if the session(s) are unused.
• Emergency procedures - All users must follow the emergency instructions posted in the laboratories.
• Removal of items - No equipment, chemicals, or other users’ research data can be removed from the laboratory without permission.
• Lab upkeep - Users are responsible for maintaining tidy work areas. Report breakage, damage, or equipment faults to EM unit staff immediately.
• Instrument settings - Users must not alter equipment alignments without permission.
• Specimen storage - UCF does not provide long-term specimen storage. Samples may be stored for up to 3 months; TEM resin embedding blocks for up to 3 years. Items stored beyond these periods will be disposed of without notice.
• Ask for help - If in doubt about any operation, request assistance from UCF staff. They are available to help.

Registration Points for Attention

• HKU Charge account - Provide a valid charge account, its effective period, and supervisor details.
• HKU Users - Provide your HKU Portal Login ID to activate the online booking account.
• External users - Users from other universities or companies should reserve services by phone (852) 39179 846.
• Booking cancellation - Cancellations must be made at least two working days in advance via the UCF online booking system.
• Billing - Debit notes are issued in January, April, July, and October.

Registration Procedure

Please follow the procedure below to become an UCF user.

• Read the Regulation.
• Download and complete the registration form
• Submit the form by fax, email, internal mail, or in person to UCF.
• Await approval - Expect an email response within 7 working days.

Data Privacy Policy Statement

HKU University Central Facuilties respects personal data and is committed to full implementation and compliance with the data protection principles and all relevant provisions of the Hong Kong Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. We will ensure that staff, students, researchers involved in handling personal data comply with the strictest standards of security and confidentially. HKU University Central Facuilties, being part of the HKU, complies with all relevant and applicable HKU policies.