Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Developing devices and instrumentation in a bioimaging core facility is an important part of the innovation mandate inherent in the core facility model but is a complex area due to the required skills and investments, and the impossibility of a universally applicable model. Here, we seek to define technological innovation in microscopy and situate it within the wider core facility innovation portfolio, highlighting how strategic development can accelerate access to innovative imaging modalities and increase service range, and thus maintain the cutting edge needed for sustainability. We consider technology development from the perspective of core facility staff and their stakeholders as well as their research environment and aim to present a practical guide to the 'Why, When, and How' of developing and integrating innovative technology in the core facility portfolio. Core facilities need to innovate to stay up to date. However, how to carry out the innovation is not very obvious. One area of innovation in imaging core facilities is the building of optical setups. However, the creation of optical setups requires specific skill sets, time, and investments. Consequently, the topic of whether a core facility should develop optical devices is discussed as controversial. Here, we provide resources that should help get into this topic, and we discuss different options when and how it makes sense to build optical devices in core facilities. We discuss various aspects, including consequences for staff and the relation of the core to the institute, and also broaden the scope toward other areas of innovation.
Source: Journal of Microscopy
DOI: 10.1111/jmi.13312
Language: English
Subfield: Information Systems and Management
Field: Decision Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,760
Awards: 3D SUper-Resolution to cryo-Electron MIcroscopy to study nanoscale subcellular dynamics and structure that alter in Neurodegenerative Diseases - 3SURE MIND, G1754805481, Flanders BioImaging: Leading Imaging Application Integrated Service and Enablement (FBI-LIAISE), G4913262738, G582947051, G6899703017, Single-cell omics in high throughput and at spatial resolution, G8007933089
OpenAlex ID: W4396230286