I am working on my next geology research project, after recent publication, that has no affiliation to a research institute (e.g. I am conducting research in my spare time). I am now thinking how I might be able to access a petrographic microscope and a point counter, two commonly available pieces of equipment found in any geology department at a university.
I would like to get try and get access to the resources free of charge offering acknowledgement space on what I hope to be published work. If it is possible to gain access with a small payment it would be interesting to hear.
I believe there are two ways of approaching this:
- Approach a researcher directly about the project and propose it as work to be associated with that researcher perhaps through coauthorship
- Approach a university about the project and propose acknowledgement of the university in the paper
Coming from a point of ignorance about gaining access to university resources can anyone advise how should one go about this?
I am working in the UK and most convenient places for me to get to institutions is in London or the South East of England.