laboratory researcher working

5 Reasons That Make Shared Research Equipment Beneficial

LABORATORY

by William Roberts, May 17, 2023

If you’re a young innovator in San Francisco, then you’re probably well aware of how expensive scientific research can be.

From purchasing the necessary equipment to designing experiments that yield useful results – researching can easily become an expensive endeavor for any early stage company. Fortunately, shared research equipment is available as an efficient way to lower overall costs without sacrificing quality results.

This post will discuss five reasons why shared research equipment is beneficial for early stage companies and explain how it offers reliable access at more reasonable prices than traditional means. Read on to learn about the possible savings that come with using this type of space!

What do Shared Research Facilities Offer?

Basic facilities include amenities such as glass washing, cold room, liquid nitrogen storage, waste store, gas cages, dark room (for microscopy) and laundry room.

An advanced facility boasts shared analytical equipment, including UV/VIS spectrophotometer, HPLC, Mass spectrometer, FTIR, Flow cytometer, and various types of microscopes.

All the resources are optimized for your research, so you can focus on achieving your goals.

Petri dish with blue fluid

The Benefits of Shared Research Equipment

#1 Space Utilization

Making the best use of lab space is of utmost importance for scientists and lab managers everywhere. While buying equipment may be essential in certain cases, it is not always the most efficient choice.

Shared facilities offer a much-needed solution to the problem of space utilization. By sharing equipment and other resources, the lab can avoid costly purchases and instead use existing equipment to its fullest potential. This not only reduces costs but also improves the overall efficiency of the lab.

Scientists can collaborate more easily and work on projects with ease, without worrying about overcrowding.

#2 Energy and Resource Efficiency

Laboratories are notorious for being energy-consuming spaces. To address this issue, scientists and researchers can focus on increasing energy and resource efficiency. One way of doing this is by avoiding duplicating equipment needlessly. This helps to reduce energy usage, which in turn reduces resource waste.

More effective use of lab space can also contribute to increased efficiency. By following these simple steps, laboratories can become more eco-friendly, while continuing to carry out important scientific work.

#3 Using New Technologies

Staying ahead of the curve can make all the difference. This is especially true in the field of research, where keeping up with the latest and greatest technology can mean the difference between success and failure.

However, constantly upgrading research equipment can be a costly endeavor for individual researchers. That’s where shared equipment comes in. By creating a pool of researchers who all use a shared piece of equipment, the cost of cutting-edge technology becomes much more manageable.

This approach not only saves money, but also reduces the burden of service contracts and maintenance schedules.

#4 Time Efficiency

Shared equipment facilities are a valuable resource for researchers who need access to specialized equipment. However, managing equipment and navigating logistical tasks can detract from the time spent on research.

That’s where managers of shared equipment facilities come in – they are dedicated to facilitating researcher needs. Managers help researchers locate necessary equipment resources, train new users, and maintain the equipment to ensure its longevity. By outsourcing these tasks, researchers save valuable time that they can redirect towards their research goals.

#5 Inclusivity and Equity

Researchers who lack funding or support from their departments or institutions often find it difficult to access research equipment and expertise. But not to worry because managed shared equipment is changing this for the better.

By pooling resources, scientists from all backgrounds can access high-quality equipment and receive the necessary support to carry out their research. This is especially important given recent studies by the NIH which show that there are racial disparities in research funding.

Ensuring that researchers have equal access to the resources they need is a vital step towards promoting equity and inclusivity in science.

Looking For Shared Lab Space? We’ve Got A Bench For You

At FOCUS, our mission is to provide a coworking lab space that fosters innovation and productivity.

Designed specifically for those in the technology and scientific research and development industries, our flexible workspace has everything you need to work without distractions.

Shared equipment and laboratory infrastructure allow for seamless collaboration and experimentation. Members can enjoy a supportive atmosphere where they can benefit from the knowledge and expertise of others in their field.

Working at FOCUS means having access to top-notch resources and a community of like-minded individuals who share the same goals and passion for cutting-edge technology and research.

Stop by at 181 2nd Street and see it yourself!

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