Access and Policies

In general, we offer four types of access to our shared research infrastructure:

1) Research projects
2) Full research services
3) Trained user access | user labs
4) Shared technology platform

Typically, these are set but not limited by the offered technology or instrument, and differ in the required user expertise, the usability of a technology, the user’s pre- and postprocessing input, and the underlying operational models.

Research project

Research projects are the equivalent of contract research organizations (CRO). The customer submits the starting material/sample and receives the ready-to-use data for publication. Hence, core facility members are often co-authoring and involved in the entire publication process.

Full research service

The user submits the sample, we perform a pre-defined workflow (incl. QC) and process the raw data. Data interpretation or contributions to publications cannot be offered in this service mode.

Trained user access | User labs

VBCF experts maintain an instrument park and train users to operate it. This requires a certain level of expertise, maturity of the offered technology, a hands-on attitude and reliability from the user.

Shared technology platform | Instrument park

These technologies require expert knowledge to run the offered instruments. Experts are hired by one of the research institutes on the Vienna BioCenter Campus. The experts maintain an instrument park, run the experiments and train other trainers. Machines can only be operated by experts.

The VBCF Metabolomics facility can be accessed via research projects and provides full research service.

In general, the VBCF General Cooperation Conditions apply. To get started, please contact Thomas Köcher to discuss your project and the analytical question you have, especially if you want to start a new project. Please label samples properly and send a sample information sheet via Email along with the samples. Samples can be submitted as extracts, preferentially shipped on dry ice.

Shipping Address:
Thomas Köcher
Vienna BioCenter Core Facilities GmbH
Metabolomics Facility
Warenannahme
Campus Vienna Biocenter 1
1030 Vienna