Core Facilities
Discover the Core Facilities of JLU – Efficient resource utilization, cutting-edge technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration for excellent research.
- Core Facilities Intro
-
Shared infrastructures for excellent research
"Core facilities are centralized shared resources that provide access to instruments, technologies, services, and expert consultation to scientific investigators." (Faber/Weiss, 2011)
Core facilities at Justus Liebig University Giessen play a central role in research and research-oriented teaching, for they provide state-of-the-art infrastructure and technological resources for researchers. These centrally organized units enable access to specialized equipment, methods, and expert support, thereby fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and facilitating innovative research.
For more information on the topic of core facilities, user groups, and services at JLU, please visit our FAQ section at the bottom of this page.
Shared research infrastructures provide the following benefits:
- Modern technologies
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Efficient resource use
- Expert support
- Innovation
-
JLU Core facilities at a glance
- Bender Intitute of Neuroimaging (BION)
-
Bender Institute of Neuroimaging (BION)
BION offers the scientific and technical infrastructure needed to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for neuroscientific research in all disciplines. Researchers are supported in all phases of a project with training and consultation.
To BION
- Bioinformatics Core Facility (BCF)
-
Bioinformatics Core Facility (BCF)
BCF offers IT infrastructure and services for storing and analyzing scientific data. A powerful computing cluster is available for data-intensive calculations. As part of the German Network for Bioinformatics Infrastructure (de.NBI), BCF also operates an extensive cloud infrastructure at its site in Giessen.
To BCF
- Center for Materials Sciences – Facilities and Methods (ZfM)
-
Center for Materials Sciences – Facilities & Methods (ZfM)
The method platforms at ZfM provide access to specific large appliances, each of which a lab with specialized expertise operates. They offer students access to state-of-the-art synthesis and characterization facilities and thereby foster broad methodological expertise at an early stage.
To ZfM
- Central Facility for Laboratory Animals (ZVTH)
-
Central Facility for Laboratory Animals (ZVTH)
ZVTH supports research projects by breeding, keeping, and caring for laboratory animals in accordance with current scientific standards and by providing advice on animal husbandry, while at the same time promoting the 3R principle (replace, reduce, refine).
To ZVTH
- Central Platform for Deep Phenotyping in Medicine (JLU cDeeP)
-
Central Platform for Deep Phenotyping in Medicine (JLU cDeeP)
As an umbrella structure, JLU cDeeP unites the core facilities and decentralized technology modules of the Faculty of Medicine. JLU cDeeP provides researchers with access to key technologies and supports them with technical and methodological expertise when planning and implementing research projects.
Under construction
- High-Performance Computing (HPC)
-
High-Performance Computing (HPC)
JLU's High-Performance Computing (HPC) core facility offers all members of the university HPC resources, customized training, and tailored advice on the effective use and optimization of application software.
To HPC
- Imaging Unit
-
Imaging Unit
The imaging unit at Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg offers life science researchers access to large-scale imaging equipment such as KLSM, TEM, and SEM. With the support of experienced technical assistants, users can create 3D images and high-resolution visualizations.
To the imaging unit
- Core Facilities FAQ and Contact
-
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions on Core Facilities
What are core facilities?
Core facilities at universities are centrally organized research institutions that provide specialized equipment, technologies, and expert knowledge for researchers. They serve as shared infrastructure to efficiently utilize resources and enable excellent research.
Main features of core facilities:
- Shared use: Researchers from various disciplines can use highly specialized equipment and laboratories without having to make their own purchases.
- Technological equipment: They have modern, often costly technologies such as microscopy, mass spectrometry, or high-performance computing.
- Expert support: Specially trained personnel can help users apply methods, maintain equipment, and analyze data.
- Research support: Core facilities enable interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance the quality and innovative power of scientific work.
- Cost and resource efficiency: By centrally organizing, operating costs are reduced, and valuable resource usage is optimized.
Who can use the core facilities at JLU?
The core facilities at Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) are primarily available to researchers at the university. However, depending on the facility and specific regulations, external user groups may also gain access. Usage fees may be charged depending on the infrastructure.
User groups of the core facilities at JLU:
- Researchers: Researchers from all departments can use the infrastructure for their projects.
- PhD students: Doctoral candidates have the opportunity to use them as part of their research work.
- Cooperation partners from other universities: In certain cases, researchers from other universities and research institutions can also gain access.
What should be considered when using the core facilities?
In most cases, the core facilities at JLU have statutes and usage regulations that govern access to these infrastructures. You can find specific regulations in these documents and from the facilities' respective operators. Of course, if no statutes and/or usage regulations exist, you must contact the facility operators.
Please take this into account:
- Always give credit to the core facilities in the acknowledgements of publications, reports, and presentations whenever applicable.
- If the core facility has added significant scientific value, this justifies co-authorship.
- Please inform the core facility after successfully submitting your publication.
Contact
Staff Division for Academic Infrastructure (StW)
For questions regarding JLU's core facilities, please feel free to contact us via email at:
stwCitation: Faber, G. K., Weiss, L., Core Facilities: Maximizing the Return on Investment, in: Sci Transl Med 3 2011 (95).
Image sources: Banner, BION, BCF, JLU cDeep, HPC, Imaging Unit, ZfM: Katrina Friese. ZVTH: Roland Duss.