UC Davis Controlled Environment Facility
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General Questions
What is the UC Davis Controlled Environment Facility (CEF)?
The UC Davis Controlled Environment Facility (CEF) is a state-of-the-art research facility designed to provide precise control over environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light, and air quality. It supports a variety of research projects, including those related to agriculture, environmental science, and sustainability.
Who can use the Controlled Environment Facility?
The facility is available to UC Davis researchers, faculty, and students, as well as external collaborators from industry or other institutions who meet the facility's research needs.
What are the fees for using the CEF?
Rates vary depending on the type of research and the duration of the use. For specific pricing details, please refer to the CEF Rate Page.
What should I do if I encounter technical issues while using the CEF?
The facility provides technical support for equipment-related issues. The facility manager and technical staff are available during business hours to assist users with any problems or questions. Please submit a Repair/ Change request form.
Access and Training
Are there any specific requirements for using the CEF?
Yes. All users must complete the Annual CEF Basic Training, which covers operational procedures, safety protocols, and equipment usage. Additionally, users are required to create a Stratocore PPMS account.
Where can I sign up for the Controlled Environment Facility training? How often do I need to take Controlled Environment Facility training?
You can sign up for the in the Learning Center here: CEF Basic User Training course. You need this training before being given access to the facility and annually. You will lose access if you fail to complete the training within 365 days.
How do I gain entry access to the facility?
To access CEF, users must submit a request via AggieAccess for students or AggieAccess for staff to gain entry to the building. Once approved, you will be granted entry to the building.
What if I loose my access to the facility?
Users must re-submit another request via AggieAccess for students or AggieAccess for staff to regain entry to the building.
Facility Usage and Reservations
How can I reserve space in the Controlled Environment Facility?
Space reservations can be made through the Chamber Request Form Site. Please ensure you provide all necessary details regarding your research needs when making a reservation.
What specific environmental conditions can be controlled in the CEF?
The facility allows control over:
- Temperature (ranging from -20°C to 45°C)
- Humidity levels
- Light intensity and photoperiod (including full-spectrum lighting)
- CO2 levels
- Air circulation and filtration
Safety and Compliance
Where can I find what pesticides were applied in the Controlled Environment Facility?
All the safety information is on the Controlled Environment Facility safety website: https://cef.sf.ucdavis.edu/safety.
How can I get a code for the Autoclave?
Autoclave users need to be trained on it first. Contact Office of Research Safety Officer Tony Schrick (tschrick@ucdavis.edu) to schedule training.
How can I report a hazard in the Controlled Environment Facility?
You can report a hazard in the facility with this Hazard Alert Form. You can email it to cefrequest@ucdavis.edu or drop it off in the in the request box outside the office in CEF-A or CEF-B.
Stratocore PPMS
How do I create a Stratocore PPMS Account?
For instructions on how create a Stratocore PPMS account, please visit the Stratocore PPMS help guide.
How do I update the financial account to charge for my chamber(s)?
Please email ppms@ucdavis.edu and cefrequest@ucdavis.edu to update your financial account information and provide GL or PPM Chart of Account.