A Review of the Scientific Rigor, Reproducibility, and Transparency Studies Conducted by the ABRF Research Groups

Area of Science:

• Biomedical research infrastructure
• Scientific resource management
• Research integrity and reproducibility

Background:

• Shared research resource facilities, or core laboratories (Cores), generate substantial research data in academia.
• Cores are central to institutional knowledge management, possessing expertise in technology applications and limitations.
• Cores inherently support transparency and reproducibility by mitigating cognitive bias and ensuring ethical research conduct.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the contributions of the Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities (ABRF) Research Groups (RGs) in promoting scientific rigor and reproducibility.
• To highlight the role of ABRF RGs in establishing best practices and community standards for core facilities.
• To summarize ABRF RG efforts from published literature, meetings, and communications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of ABRF RG contributions.
• Analysis of data from ABRF meetings.
• Synthesis of information from ABRF RG communications.

Main Results:

• ABRF RGs actively contribute to defining and communicating best practices for core facilities.
• Multicenter research studies by ABRF RGs address technology platforms and standards.
• ABRF RG work supports transparency, reproducibility, and ethical conduct in biomedical research.

Conclusions:

• ABRF RGs play a crucial role in advancing scientific rigor and reproducibility within core laboratories.
• The established best practices and standards by ABRF RGs enhance the reliability of research data.
• Continued engagement with ABRF RGs is vital for maintaining high standards in shared research resources.