Price list

Version: December 2025
Effective from: 01 January 2026 (subject to change)

Principles

The CFM charges usage-based fees ("User Fees") to partially cover operating, maintenance, and service costs. The pricing model follows established microscopy centres (rate groups, off-peak rates, training fees). 

Rate Groups (assignment based on affiliation)

• Rate Group 1 (External): External research institutions not governed by public law with a framework/cooperation agreement with ZI.
• Rate Group 2 (Internal): ZI Mannheim (internal cost centres) and external research institutions/research groups governed by public law with ongoing scientific collaborative projects with research groups at ZI

Billing & Time Accounting

• Billing is based on the usage time recorded in the booking system (self-service) or the documented service time (assisted measurement/analysis).
• Rounding: each commenced hour

Equipment Hourly Rates (Self-Service)

* free of charge until further notice; subject to change.

Assisted Measurements, Service & Data Analysis (optional, if offered)

Operator service / assisted measurement (in addition to equipment time, unless otherwise agreed):

• Rate Group 1: 60 € / h
• Rate Group 2: 40 € / h

Training/Instruction Fees (per user and training session)

• 1st training (basic instruction, per instrument):
  • Rate Group 1: 50 €
  • Rate Group 2: 0 €
• 2nd training (advanced/refresher, per instrument):
  • Rate Group 1: 25 €
  • Rate Group 2: 0 €

Cancellation, No-Show and Short-Notice Policy

Booked appointments may be cancelled free of charge more than 48 h before the scheduled start. 

Short-notice cancellations (<48 h) will be charged unless the slot is rebooked by another user: 

• Cancellation 48–24 h before start:   50% of the booked equipment time
• Cancellation <24 h or no-show:         100% of the booked equipment time
• If the slot is rebooked:                              0% cancellation charge

Contact / Billing

Billing is carried out monthly or quarterly against the cost centre/invoice address of the registered group (in accordance with the Usage Regulations, Section 2.9).

Contact: 

Core Facility Microscopy (CFM)
Scientific Director: Dr. Quirin Krabichler
Central Institute of Mental Health 
J 5
68159 Mannheim