UNESCO-GBI Support Award for Remote Access

Under the framework of UNESCO's Remote Access to Lab Equipment (UNESRALE) initiative and the Imaging 4 All (i4A) programme, UNESCO and Global BioImaging are offering a targeted remote access opportunity for previous i4A Access and Pro Grant awardees. This Support Award enables continued collaboration with former host imaging core facilities and laboratories by providing remote access to imaging equipment and expertise, extending the scientific impact of the original i4A support.

The i4A Support Award for Remote Access will support up to three grantees, providing up to EUR 5,000 per award to the host institution to cover eligible project costs, such as imaging instrument time, service fees, and project-related consumables.

  • Application Deadline: 10 March 2026
  • Announcement of Results: 15 March 2026
  • Duration: 15 March 2026 - 31 October 2026

What is remote access?

Remote access enables work to be carried out at the host institution without the grantee being physically present. This can take different forms. In some cases, the grantee may connect remotely to operate an instrument or access computational resources for data processing and analysis. In other cases, remote access may be delivered as a service: the host facility staff carry out sample preparation, data collection and/or image analysis on behalf of the grantee, based on an agreed work plan and regular communication.

Support coverage

The i4A Support Award for Remote Access covers costs associated with remote access set-up and services, including instrument time, staff time, reagents and consumables purchased for the project, and other facility fees related to the project.

The proposed remote access work plan may include sample preparation, data collection, and image processing and analysis tasks.

Where necessary, the award may also cover sample shipment. Shipping costs can be covered either through (1) direct invoicing by the shipping company to EMBL, or (2) payment by the host facility and inclusion of the cost in the final invoice.

The maximum budget is EUR 5,000. A budget breakdown must be provided at the time of application (within the application form submitted by the applicant).

All costs must be invoiced to EMBL by the host facility no later than 30 November 2026.

Duration

Remote Access activities may take place between 15 March 2026 and 31 October 2026. Depending on the proposed work plan, the grant may be used across the full period or within a shorter selected timeframe.

Eligibility

This call is open to former i4A Access and Pro awardees from the 1st and 2nd Open Calls who:

  • have already undertaken their scientific visits, or
  • are currently planning their scientific visits and anticipate follow-up work after the in-person access period (e.g. image analysis support from the host facility).

Application process

Applications must be prepared in agreement between the applicant and their former i4A host facility/lab.

Before applying, please discuss with your host:

  • the proposed work plan and feasibility
  • timeline and remote access capabilities
  • a cost estimate and budget breakdown

Forms

Contact

For questions, please contact: [email protected]

More information