Shared Resource Laboratory Operations: Changes Made During Initial Global COVID-19 Lockdown of 2020

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research Operations
• Laboratory Management
• Infectious Disease Impact

Background:

• The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to global Shared Resource Laboratories (SRLs).
• Unlike localized crises, the pandemic simultaneously affected SRLs worldwide, necessitating rapid operational adjustments.
• SRL responses varied, ranging from complete shutdowns to partial operations or uninterrupted service.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Shared Resource Laboratory (SRL) operations.
• To identify the categories of operational changes implemented by SRLs during the pandemic.
• To emphasize the importance of contingency planning and evolving best practices for research continuity.

Main Methods:

• The study involved a qualitative analysis of SRL operational changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Categorization of SRL responses into complete shutdown, partial shutdown, and uninterrupted operations.
• Identification of newly established "Best Practices" such as social distancing and remote work.

Main Results:

• SRLs experienced diverse impacts, including shutdowns and shifts in operational status.
• Operational adjustments were often made concurrently with increased COVID-19-related research.
• New best practices, including remote work and online training, were rapidly adopted.

Conclusions:

• The pandemic underscored the critical need for SRLs to have robust contingency plans for service continuity during crises.
• Established best practices, like remote work and digital training resources, are likely to persist and shape future SRL operations.
• Lessons learned from the pandemic will inform future crisis preparedness and management within research settings.