GUIDELINES FOR CORE FACILITY AND SHARED RESOURCE OPERATIONS
Both core facilities and shared resources provide access to services and expertise, which typically includes specialized instrumentation and capabilities that individual researchers would be unable to maintain independently. Both entities act as service recharge centers, recovering operational costs through user fees charged to the investigator funds, generally federal grants. Although they share similar attributes, the larger scale of core facilities requires additional administrative support to ensure they operate efficiently, remain financially viable, and support the research needs of the University.
Definitions
Core Facilities
Core Facilities generate wide impact on research and scholarship, denoted by high service volume to a broad user base across multiple departments. Core Facilities receive centralized financial and administrative support from UAMS COM Office of Research (COMRO) including billing, budget management, compliance reporting, and setting of service rates. As needed, Core Facilities receive College of Medicine (COM) annual operating support (“subsidy”) to ensure long-term sustainability and continued accessibility to a broad range of investigators.
Shared Resources
Shared Resources have a more focused user base and offer services which are more specialized or cater to research needs within a particular discipline or academic unit. Shared Resources receive limited administrative support and are managed at the department level. COMRO provides basic accounting and financial support, including general guidance on budget management. COMRO reviews the annual service rate computations to ensure compliance with federal regulations for restricted fund expenses. Shared Resources can request COM annual operating support (“subsidy”).
iLab Software support
Both Core Facilities and Shared Research resources are eligible for access to iLab, web-based software for managing user accounts, service requests and scheduling. Access includes account management, billing and reporting functionality, and technical support operated through the COMRO.
Support adjustments
Shared Resources that experience sufficient growth are eligible for evaluation to become a designated COM core facility, as determined during Annual Review of activities conducted by COMRO.