About Us

The Society for Science at User Research Facilities provides a consolidated voice for those engaged in, supporting, and/or interested in research conducted by Users of America’s national User Facilities. 

Our Values: We embody sincere curiosity and seek an ever-broadening spectrum of inclusion across the scientific research ecosystem of User Facilities. We strive to proudly give recognition to the work of scientists and to increase User involvement in our activities. 

Our Vision: We envision our members’ discoveries as unique and crucial sources of insight and solutions that benefit all of humanity, making the world safer, more prosperous, more healthy and connected. Likewise we envision our membership is globally renowned as the most specialized, brilliant network of fundamental scientific research laboratories available to the most talented scientists from across the globe.

Our mission is to provide a consolidated voice and be a unique resource for best practices and support to those who are engaged in research at one or more of our nation’s federal research laboratory User Facilities.

SSURF’s primary efforts are:

1. Supporting federal User Facility communities and research networks by sharing best practices and facilitating professional development, and
2. Promoting public awareness about the benefits and significance of User Facility research.

Our organization was incorporated in 2016 as a not-for-profit organization; an elected volunteer Board of Directors governs SSURF. In July 2020, SSURF hired its first Executive Director, Dan Powers, in a part-time role to organize operational logistics. There are several volunteer committees helping with operations as well.

In February 2021 the Board approved an update to SSURF’s bylaws with specific elements regarding membership categories, the responsibilities of the new Executive Director and the voting rights of members.

A new website was launched in July 2021 to upgrade the communications by SSURF and enhance the sharing of news, events and best practices among its members and the general audience of User Facility stakeholders. More activities, webinars and strategic activities to support members will continue to be announced.