Definitions
What is a biomedical core facility?
What is a core facility?
The Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) has created definitions to distinguish its research facilities. In this study, core facilities are defined as shared centres that provide access to multiple researchers in a local region. For this study, core facilities are accessible to researchers (typically on a cost recovery basis) within universities, academic health science centers, industry, government or research centres. Equipment which is within a individual academic laboratory is not considered a core facility in this study.
How do we define ‘Biomedical’?
Scientific platforms that contain either specialized infrastructure and / or expertise relevant to performing research on the health and diseases of humans and animals.
Equipment suited to a BCF includes, but is not limited to:
- Flow cytometry and sorting;
- Cell Culturing services;
- Spatial-omics platforms, including genomic sequencers, mass spectrometers, etc.;
- Advanced microscopes (light, confocal, super resolution, and electron microscopes);
- High-fidelity imaging platforms for human or animal models (echocardiography, micro-PET-SPECT-CT or MRI scanners);
- Histology services;
- Biochemistry/Structural biology (NMR, Mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, metabolomics, lipodomics, protein-protein structures or interactions, spectrophotometers, chromotography, Cryo-EMs).
Canada has over 200+ Biomedical Core Facilities
Canadian biomedical core facilities (BCFs) provide researchers with access to advanced tools and unique technical expertise, essential for research. However, their role, sustainability, and impact remain poorly understood. We report on the evolution of model and existing state of Canada’s 205 BCFs, examining challenges and benefits.
Approach
A study grounded in participation
This research is designed to capture a broad view of biomedical core facilities by inviting input from the people who work within them, rely on them, lead them, or choose not to use them. Bringing these perspectives together helps create a more complete understanding of the current landscape.
The project supports a careful, evidence-based discussion about how shared research infrastructure can best serve scientific communities. It also helps identify practical considerations that shape participation, access, and long-term value.
Research focus
Building a clearer picture
Core facilities often sit at the center of modern biomedical research, yet their contributions can be difficult to measure in a consistent way. They enable access to advanced technologies, support specialized workflows, and create opportunities for collaboration across disciplines.
This study considers both operational realities and broader research outcomes. It asks how facilities are experienced by different groups, what barriers may affect engagement, and how institutional models influence the value these facilities deliver.
By documenting current conditions and perspectives, the project aims to contribute useful insight for future planning, resource allocation, and innovation strategy in the Canadian research environment.
Take the next step
If you are part of the biomedical core facility community, visit the survey page to find the questionnaire that matches your role. For questions about the study, you can also get in touch by email.