Core Facilities

The Need for Core Facilities

The cancer research of today peers deeply into the infinitesimal world of cell interiors where malignancies are born. Such research requires sophisticated, state-of-the-art technologies and equipment, which, of course, are extremely costly. Both the UCCRC and the Biological Sciences Division recognizes the undeniable importance of these facilities. The "Aims for the Biological Sciences Division" report, for example, underlines the value of shared facilities with these terms: "Research infrastructure, including common facilities and administrative systems, is also critical to research faculty retention and recruitment."

What is a Core Facility?

UCCRC researchers have access to a comprehensive set of shared facilities, which provide them with the advanced services that are integral to our mission. In addition to helping the Center attract world-class researchers and clinicians, these resources support vital translational research and encourage the interaction of researchers and clinicians from different disciplines. These centralized centers of expertise and equipment provide services to the University's research community on a charge-back basis. These user fees cover the operating costs of these facilities. UCCRC members receive preferred access to these facilities and discounted rates.

Operation and Management

Each facility has a Scientific Director who is a University faculty member. Technical Directors support the Directors and manage each facility on a daily basis. They are also responsible for training and assisting users and planning enhancements necessary for staying current with the field. The Faculty Advisory Committee provides scientific oversight and champions funding opportunities for the facilities. The faculty members and administrators on the Committee on Research Resources (CORR) review the operations of the facilities and new proposals for funding.