Core Facility UW

The goal of the Core Facility at the University of Warsaw (Core Facility UW) is to increase the efficiency of using the University of Warsaw’s scientific equipment by creating a coherent system for managing, sharing, and maintaining research infrastructure, particularly equipment that is not assigned to individual research teams and is used in a service-based model.

In the first stage of Core Facility UW’s operations, a pilot program will be implemented, covering equipment available for service-based measurements and not exclusively assigned to a single research group. The goal of the pilot is to develop an effective organizational, financial, and operational model that enables optimal use of research equipment across the entire university.

Core Facility UW aims to:

• Ensure continuity of research infrastructure operations through systematic maintenance of scientific equipment, including servicing, modernization, and planning for replacement;
• Provide stable employment and professional development for specialists responsible for operating research equipment;
• Increase the accessibility of equipment for the University of Warsaw community and external partners;
• Ensure transparency and financial efficiency in the operation of research equipment;
• Monitor scientific benefits derived from the use of research infrastructure, particularly scientific publications and research projects;
• Optimize the costs of maintaining research infrastructure through central coordination and standardization of management mechanisms.

The activities of Core Facility UW align with the mission of the Institute for Advanced Studies as a unit supporting the development of modern research infrastructure and increasing the scientific potential of the University of Warsaw.

Core Facility Tasks

The primary tasks of the Core Facility include:

• Managing research infrastructure included in the Core Facility system, in particular:
  • Maintaining research equipment in a state that ensures its continuous operational readiness;
  • Planning servicing, repairs, modernization, and equipment replacement;
  • Ensuring continuity of equipment operations through the creation of maintenance and modernization funds.
• Securing funding for research infrastructure, in particular through:
  • Preparing and coordinating funding applications from national and international sources, including ministry competitions, infrastructure programs, and programs supporting infrastructure maintenance (e.g., SPUB);
  • Ensuring the presence of University of Warsaw infrastructure in national and international research infrastructure maps;
  • Supporting university units in preparing applications for modernization, expansion, and maintenance of equipment;
  • Developing long-term plans for research infrastructure development, including modernization, replacement, and expansion.
• Ensuring professional operation of research equipment through:
  • Maintaining a qualified team of operators and technical specialists;
  • Developing staff competencies through training and participation in professional development programs;
  • Implementing incentive systems linked to equipment utilization and scientific outcomes.
• Ensuring accessibility of research equipment through:
  • Maintaining a central register of research equipment;
  • Implementing a reservation system for equipment;
  • Providing access to equipment for internal and external users.
• Implementing transparent financial mechanisms, including:
  • Developing and implementing transparent, auditable service pricing;
  • Monitoring financial flows related to equipment operation;
  • Ensuring compliance with audit and regulatory requirements.
• Monitoring scientific outcomes from the use of research equipment, particularly:
  • Scientific publications;
  • Research projects;
  • Technological implementations;
  • Collaboration with external partners.
• Developing and implementing regulations for the use of research equipment within the University of Warsaw units.
• Developing models for the operation of research infrastructure, including in the future:
  • Incorporating equipment partially used by research teams;
  • Developing models for research collaboration;
  • Implementing new infrastructure financing mechanisms.

 

Centre Coordinator:

Dr. hab. Adam Lewera, Prof. UW, Deputy Dean for Development, University of Warsaw Faculty of Chemisty

alewera@chem.uw.edu.pl