The APAC National Facility has been established to provide an internationally competitive computational resource for Australian researchers. The APAC Merit Allocation Scheme allows researchers to access the APAC National Facility based on merit and free of charge.

Applications are now called for awards of computer time under this Scheme for the period of Jan 2002 - Dec 2002. The closing date for applications is 9 November 2001.

Smaller 'Start-up Grants' are also available to enable researchers to assess the usefulness of the Facility for their research and to assist in framing proposals to the Scheme.

Any staff member of an Australian Higher Education Institution may apply to the Merit Allocation Scheme (with certain restrictions imposed by USA export conditions). Postgraduate students should apply through their supervisors.

Proposals should be made to the Merit Allocation Scheme now, but in special circumstances may be made at any time.

Advice on completing the forms may be obtained from the National Facility. National Facility staff are also available to discuss the suitability of the facilities and their environment to the proposed project, or advise if other available facilities might be more appropriate. They are also available to help with the establishment and optimization of programs on the facilities.