Remote NMR (R-NMR): Moving NMR infrastructures to remote access capabilities

Project Information

R-NMR

Grant agreement ID: 101058595

DOI

10.3030/101058595

Project closed

EC signature date 11 April 2022

Start date 1 July 2022

End date 30 June 2025

Funded under

• Research infrastructures

Total cost

€ 1 350 000,00

EU contribution

€ 1 350 000,00

Coordinated by

JOHANN WOLFGANG GOETHE-UNIVERSITAET FRANKFURT AM MAIN
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - R-NMR (Remote NMR (R-NMR): Moving NMR infrastructures to remote access capabilities)

Reporting period: 2023-07-01 to 2025-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) is a key analytical method used across chemical, physical, biological, and medical sciences. Access to NMR equipment is typically centralized in infrastructures due to high costs, required specialization, and necessary technical expertise. Prior to Covid19, the overwhelming majority of measurements were conducted and monitored by scientists traveling to NMR infrastructures to setup experiments on site. Due to the lock-down working conditions during the pandemic, this established practice could often not be maintained. Our experiences prior to the start of the R-NMR project led to the starting point of the proposal that remote access is feasible within the field of NMR spectroscopy but was not yet used up to its potential.

The Remote-NMR (R-NMR) project brought together major European NMR infrastructures operating at both national and international levels. The aim was to optimize remote access protocols and procedures and to fully realize their potential. This overarching goal was subdivided into five objectives, all of which were successfully fulfilled:

O1) Establishing standardized remote access procedures
O2) Establishing common practices for shipping scientific samples across Europe
O3) Developing remote training programs for researchers to support remote infrastructure use and data analysis
O4) Defining shared procedures for FAIR data archiving and dissemination of research protocols
O5) Implementing tools to monitor CO2 consumption at European NMR infrastructures as a first step toward reducing the carbon footprint

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the course of the project, several significant technical and scientific activities were undertaken, leading to key outcomes that greatly benefit the NMR community.
Initial online surveys of NMR facility managers and users –provided a detailed overview of operational practices during the pandemic, establishing a baseline understanding of the Remote-NMR landscape. In response to surveys feedback, we have taken two key actions. We created and distributed standard guidelines for sample shipment and developed a comprehensive "Fact Sheet and Guidelines on GDPR as it relates to NMR Facilities" to address specific issues (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15755277 ; https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10159943).
A follow-up survey at the project's conclusion revealed ongoing interest in remote access to NMR from both facility managers and users. The survey showed that more sites are implementing remote access, and sustained engagement of the NMR community through access to reports, fact sheets, videos, and other resources on the R-NMR website.
A critical outcome of our environmental impact analysis was the development of a CO2 calculator tool for the NMR community (https://csdm.dk/rnmr/consumption.html).
Moreover, we defined access levels for remote NMR and produced a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and standardized workflows. These documents cover essential activities in remote NMR access management, including proposal submissions and the provision of remote measurements (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15772247https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15755341).
Full documentation, tutorials, and procedures for spectral analysis were made available to support consistency and quality in data handling, including metadata and storage practices.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Standardized Protocols: The project developed comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for data management protocols, remote access, sample shipment, and data handling. These protocols facilitate smoother workflows, long-term accessibility of research outputs and improved reproducibility across various NMR facilities which are essential for maintaining scientific credibility.
Environmental Awareness: Tools for assessing carbondioxide impact and promoting sustainable practices, such as helium recycling, were made available to the community. The initiative highlighted the importance of environmental considerations in NMR operations. This promotes a shift towards responsible scientific practices, which could lead to broader industry changes in how NMR operations are conducted.
Inclusive Remote Access: By introducing a three-tiered remote access model — monitoring-only, supervised control, and full control — the project empowered researchers from diverse backgrounds and regions to utilize advanced NMR platforms without physical travel, promoting inclusivity and widening participation in research.
Training and Capacity Building: A wealth of training materials and resources was created, ensuring a knowledgeable and capable user base.
To ensure long-term sustainability and connectivity within the European NMR community, the project will maintain its website and YouTube channel while providing access to developed materials via Zenodo and Instruct-ERIC. Additionally, international initiatives like Groupment Ampere will help disseminate the project's outcomes, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts to enhance access, reproducibility, and high-quality data acquisition in NMR infrastructure globally.

The Remote-NMR project has significantly advanced the accessibility, efficiency, and sustainability of NMR spectroscopy. It has established a robust framework for standardized, secure, and environmentally responsible remote access to NMR facilities across Europe. By fostering collaboration and best practices, the project has laid a foundation for enhancing the functionality and reliability of NMR operations. The impacts of the Remote-NMR initiative extend beyond immediate project outcomes, marking a transformative shift in how NMR is accessed, utilized, and managed. By minimizing geographical barriers and integrating sustainability into scientific practice, the project sets a precedent for future collaborations and efficiencies within the NMR community and strengthens the resilience of NMR facilities against travel restrictions, future pandemics, or temporary lockdowns.

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