A role for core facilities in improving research rigour

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Abstract

Scientific reproducibility is an ethical and societal responsibility. Discussions of reproducibility and repeatability often focus on the roles of stakeholders in the scientific process, including researchers, publishers, and funders. Core facility staff have distinct functions in research planning, training, interpretation and oversight which are not available to other stakeholders, yet their role in promoting reproducibility is often overlooked. Core facilities also provide a critical role as the 'institutional memory' of their respective institutes, guiding researchers towards rapid, successful outcomes by avoiding prior, unproductive approaches. Many aspects of core facility best practice are naturally aligned with recommendations for improving scientific reproducibility, including quality control of instruments, extensive and rigorous training, and better methods reporting. Other requirements for data to be truly reproducible, such as the need for statistical robustness, can be improved with better awareness and education. Here we review existing core facility practices which support reproducibility and suggest additional opportunities for core facility staff to develop their role as guardians of scientific excellence. While our focus is on light microscopy, many principles will apply to other technology facilities.