1. General Provisions

These rules define the principles for access to the Research Infrastructure “Energy Storage and Hydrogen Energy” (ESHER), established by Council of Ministers Decision No. 569/31.07.2014 and updated by Decision No. 354/29.06.2017 of the Republic of Bulgaria. They are aligned with national legislation and with the principles outlined in the European Charter for Access to Research Infrastructures (EC, 2016).

ESHER provides access to its specialized equipment for scientific, educational, and applied purposes. Any researcher, company, or institution may request the use of the infrastructure under transparent and equal conditions. Core principles include open access, scientific ethics, security, safety, and responsibility.

Access to ESHER equipment is carried out through qualified personnel (operator, specialist, or head of laboratory/technological platform), who perform the measurements as specified in the approved request.

Requests for access to the infrastructure are submitted through an application for a specific service or piece of equipment, addressed to the head of the relevant partner laboratory/technological platform of ESHER.

All requests are coordinated by the head of the respective laboratory/technological platform, who specifies technical parameters, deadlines, and conditions for execution. Within one working week, the user receives a response detailing the conditions and a price quotation.

By agreement, independent user access to equipment may also be granted. Such access is permitted once the head of the laboratory/technological platform personally verifies the user’s level of competence. After approval, a schedule is set based on equipment availability. If needed or mutually agreed, the organization’s personnel may supervise the user’s activities to ensure compliance with safety rules, technical integrity, and good laboratory practice.

The user is required to follow all safety rules and to acknowledge ESHER in publications, reports, and presentations when results have been generated with the help of the infrastructure.

2. Obligations and Responsibilities of the Parties

Access is arranged with the ESHER partner organization, specifying timelines, cost, responsibilities, and data‑storage conditions. ESHER partners pay only for consumables used. External users pay an additional fee when analysis of obtained data/results is required. For ESHER partners, data analysis is negotiated individually — either through a joint publication or through additional payment.

Equipment is used according to a pre‑established schedule based on workload. The user provides a list of materials (samples, reagents, etc.) in advance, follows all safety instructions, and returns the equipment to its initial condition after the experiment. In case of equipment malfunction, the head of the laboratory/technological platform must be notified immediately.

The user must have valid health insurance and accident insurance for the duration of their stay in the laboratory. ESHER bears no responsibility if insurance is absent.

ESHER is not responsible for damages or loss of the user’s property unless caused intentionally by ESHER personnel.

In cases of force majeure, access timelines may be extended.

Disputes between the parties are resolved first through mutual agreement, and if that is not possible — according to the laws of the Republic of Bulgaria.

3. Final Provisions

These rules apply in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Bulgaria.

If any provision becomes invalid or unenforceable, this does not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.

These rules enter into force on the date of approval by the Chair of ESHER.