Core Facility Strategy of the University of Bonn

Binding terms of use govern access for internal users and cooperation with external partners from the scientific and business communities and civil society. The expansion of research-friendly IT infrastructure is also being promoted as part of the University of Bonn digitalization strategy. A uniform, web-based booking and management system and a customized centralized user and project management are to be installed on an inter-faculty basis. Other focuses beyond technical operation include communication and networking between science, technology, administration, donors and the public, and the development of long-term training and continuing education offerings.

A coordinated governance structure ensures that coordination and decision-making processes involving various stakeholder groups are appropriate and transparent. The interoperability of scientific workflows with the involved administrative entities is continuously monitored and coordinated. The associated documentation and reporting processes structure communication, afford decision-making transparency and promote sustainable operational, usage and staffing concepts, thereby optimizing available resources and funding.

Expansion of the BTC poses an unprecedented challenge in terms of inter-faculty organizational and scientific cooperation as well as the implementation and execution of the associated administrative processes. Solutions are to be developed and implemented on the basis of existing structures and past experience, which in future could serve as a model for further similar research infrastructures

Core facilities are organized according to a regulated system involving the following criteria (see also DFG form 55.04 “Guidelines for Instrumentation Usage Costs and Core Facilities”):

• Terms of use and framework regulations are outlined in a publicly accessible, DFG-compliant document titled Terms of Use.
• Usage fees are assessed on the basis of transparent cost calculations and fees outlining the specific elements of the cost categories (staff, operation, consumption, maintenance, repairs). Pricing differences by user group (internal, external, commercial) are possible. These created price schedules are part of the Terms of Use.
• Information on the technical and scientific contact persons, a listing of the equipment, service and support offerings, terms and conditions and a description of the potential user groups are available on the CF website. The Terms of Use and pricing schedule are also posted on the website, from which the portal and booking system can be accessed.
• Roles, responsibilities, rights (security credentials, acknowledgements, access rights, IP), decision criteria (in case of overbooking, for example) and data processing and security are clearly and transparently regulated (Terms of Use, website). Project-specific core facility usage costs can be included in third-party funding applications (DFG etc.) and billed in accordance with the approved grant terms and conditions.

Core facilities should ideally meet minimum quantity/volume criteria (in terms of staff, instruments, etc.) and be centrally located or organized. Non-central solutions, access to individual instruments and partial usage of equipment within a CF, however, may also be practical options and can be offered.

In addition to housing equipment and systems, core facilities are places for the further development of methods and technologies. Methodologically oriented research projects are also frequently conducted at core facilities, which may be collaborative or non-collaborative in nature. Advice and training are offered at CFs (on experiment planning, data analysis, workshops, teaching), including continuing education and advanced training for scientific and technical CF staff .

At the University of Bonn, core facilities are generally anchored in the faculties, both organizationally and hierarchically. Operational concepts and decision-making and administrative structures are designed in accordance with the strategies and frameworks in place at the specific faculties.

The inter-faculty Technology and Innovation Committee was formed in 2025 to discuss strategy on the Rectorate level. The Committee members are researchers from the various faculties who have broad technological expertise and are familiar with the operation and organization of equipment and technologies housed at core facilities. The Committee advises the Rectorate on strategic issues and decision-making around technology and research infrastructure—concerning investments in new equipment, support for research proposals and appointment negotiations, among other issues. The Committee also serves as go-to for technology-related matters regarding which the faculties wish to engage with the Rectorate. The Committee plays an advisory role in such interactions, as decision-making responsibility remains with the autonomous faculties.

A general consensus has emerged from the discussions thus far to improve institutional mechanisms, and that mutual challenges the faculties encounter in managing core facilities should be taken on via an inter-faculty approach. The Core Facilities and Technology Platforms office, part of Division 7, coordinates the inter-faculty responsibilities defined.