Created: 28th February 1999, last updated: 7th April 1999, © 1999 ABRF
A forthcoming issue of the FASEB Journal will publish an article by the 1998 ABRF Executive Board entitled "Research Technologies: Fulfilling the Promise." The paper addresses critical issues facing universities and nonprofit research institutions in maintaining technology infrastructure and in providing effective support for resource laboratories. The paper underscores that this is an issue important to all faculty and scientists, one that requires the cooperation of all partners, including researchers, administration, and funding agencies. The article focuses on three areas: the cost of high-quality technology resources, support of the intellectual infrastructure, and the commitment necessary to maintain both. Key issues are defined for each topic, and policies known to harm or nourish a good outcome are discussed. Of particular importance are considerations of the harmful effects of high-cost recovery on scientific productivity and of providing a full place in academic life for resource scientists. Several tables define the costs, activities, personnel, helpful policies, and appropriate roles for all involved in resource planning. The article is referenced with a number of studies from the National Institutes of Health, the National Academy of Sciences, the ABRF, and other sources. The authors' goal was to provide a document to help guide the planning of resource technologies and resource laboratories, which is essential to the scientific opportunities and challenges that face us.