What Is Lab Connect and How Do Universities Join?
A practical overview of Specelex's global academic program — who it's for, what you get, and how to submit your first inquiry.
Specelex Research Team · 2025-06-22
Lab Connect is Specelex's academic portal for universities and research institutes worldwide. It connects PIs, graduate students, and core facility directors with portable XRF expertise, partner labs, and procurement support.
Who Lab Connect is for
- Graduate students screening thesis samples before lab assay
- PIs and postdocs evaluating portable XRF for a grant or publication
- Core facility directors writing tender specs or onboarding new instruments
- Cross-border teams needing regional partner introductions
What you can request
| Need type | Typical use |
|---|---|
| ----------- | ------------- |
| Sample analysis | Feasibility review of alloys, soils, ores, artifacts |
| Demo loan | Short-term instrument evaluation before purchase |
| Method consulting | SOP design, detection limits, publication methods |
| Teaching partnership | Curriculum modules + instructor training |
| Platform procurement | RFP support, academic pricing, multi-user setup |
How to apply
1. Browse [disciplines](/en/research/disciplines) matching your department
2. Check [partner universities](/en/research/partners) in your region
3. Submit the [inquiry form](/en/research/inquiry) — you receive a `SC-*` reference ID instantly
4. Track status at [Research Status](/en/research/status) (48-hour initial response target)
Partner invite codes (e.g. from your university liaison) unlock priority routing. See [what to expect](/en/research/what-to-expect) for response timelines.
Partner network
Eight pilot partners across materials science, earth science, chemistry, mechanical engineering, and archaeology provide regional context. New institutions can apply through Lab Connect — we onboard departments in batches each quarter.