Shared Resource Management

Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland OH

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

SHARED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The rapidly advancing and evolving approaches to conducting scientific research can limit discovery that might otherwise be made with access to new technologies and specialized equipment. Yet sophisticated instruments can be expensive, and managing, using, and maintaining them requires specialized expertise. To address this need efficiently, the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC) has established a network of shared resources (SRs) to support and enhance cancer research across its consortium of institutions, including Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals, and Cleveland Clinic. These SRs provide specialized equipment, expertise, and services in critical areas such as biostatistics, genomics, proteomics, cell sorting, imaging, and drug development. By centralizing expensive equipment and specialized expertise, the Case CCC's SRs allows researchers to access cutting-edge technologies and diverse services in a cost-effective manner, without the need to invest in maintaining individual specialized facilities. The Case CCC has a dedicated SR management (SRM) team that is responsible for ensuring the SRs operate efficiently, are financially sound, and align with the strategic priorities of the Case CCC. One key aim of the SRM is to proactively identify emerging technologies and acquire the necessary equipment and expertise to make these cutting-edge capabilities available to researchers across the consortium. This is achieved through a structured process that involves a collaboration among SRM, cancer researchers, and SR directors to conduct scientific assessments for technical needs. In addition to providing access to advanced instruments and methods, the SRs foster interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing to enhance cancer research programs. To market existing technologies, the SRM organizes educational activities such as seminars, open houses, and training courses for cancer researchers. The SRM ensures training with hands-on experiences provided by the individual SRs and through direct involvement such as providing instruction in a new course designed to provide trainees and researchers with data interpretation and technical knowledge related to the SRs, operating the advanced instruments, and properly interpreting the acquired data and results. Cumulatively, these efforts ensure that researchers, including students and trainees, are aware of the resources available and can effectively leverage them in their own research projects. By consolidating advanced instruments, expertise, and the latest methodologies, and by promoting their use through outreach and training, the Case CCC's SRs are designed to enhance productivity, success, and scope of cancer research across the consortium.