Global survey of Flow Cytometry core facilities 2021

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Life Sciences Research
• Core Facility Management

Background:

• International core facilities are crucial for advanced research.
• Flow cytometry is a key technology in biological and medical research.
• Understanding the operational landscape of these facilities is essential for strategic planning and resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an in-depth snapshot of the global flow cytometry core facility landscape.
• To identify current trends in instrument types, staffing, funding, and operational models.
• To establish a baseline for future longitudinal studies tracking facility and technology evolution.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a survey of 148 international core facilities specializing in flow cytometry.
• Collected data across 'The Americas', 'Asia Pacific', and 'Europe and Africa'.
• Gathered information on instrument inventory, staffing levels, fee structures, funding sources, and COVID-19 response.

Main Results:

• Global trends in flow cytometry core facilities showed broad similarities across regions.
• Significant geographical differences were observed in staff-to-machine ratios and funding models.
• Data captured a wide range of operational aspects, including technology adoption and financial strategies.

Conclusions:

• The survey provides a foundational dataset for understanding the current state of global flow cytometry core facilities.
• Identified regional disparities highlight areas for targeted support and development.
• This baseline data will enable future tracking of evolving trends in facility operations and technological advancements.