A framework for managing core facilities within the research enterprise

Abstract

Core facilities represent increasingly important operational and strategic components of institutions' research enterprises, especially in biomolecular science and engineering disciplines. With this realization, many research institutions are placing more attention on effectively managing core facilities within the research enterprise. A framework is presented for organizing the questions, challenges, and opportunities facing core facilities and the academic units and institutions in which they operate. This framework is intended to assist in guiding core facility management discussions in the context of a portfolio of facilities and within the overall institutional research enterprise.

Keywords: academic medical centers; financial management; institutional management teams; organizational efficiency; organizational innovation; organizational objectives; research institutes.

Figure 1

Example of biomolecular S＆E core research facilities.

Figure 2

One approach to mapping biomolecular S＆E core facilities. Schematic relationship between required core facility subsidy and characteristics of facilities and provided services.

Figure 3

Strategic management framework for core research facilities. Four inter-related areas of questions, challenges, and opportunities related to managing core facilities within the research enterprise.