A Review of the Scientific Rigor, Reproducibility, and Transparency Studies Conducted by the ABRF Research Groups

Abstract

Shared research resource facilities, also known as core laboratories (Cores), are responsible for generating a significant and growing portion of the research data in academic biomedical research institutions. Cores represent a central repository for institutional knowledge management, with deep expertise in the strengths and limitations of technology and its applications. They inherently support transparency and scientific reproducibility by protecting against cognitive bias in research design and data analysis, and they have institutional responsibility for the conduct of research (research ethics, regulatory compliance, and financial accountability) performed in their Cores. The Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities (ABRF) is a FASEB-member scientific society whose members are scientists and administrators that manage or support Cores. The ABRF Research Groups (RGs), representing expertise for an array of cutting-edge and established technology platforms, perform multicenter research studies to determine and communicate best practices and community-based standards. This review provides a summary of the contributions of the ABRF RGs to promote scientific rigor and reproducibility in Cores from the published literature, ABRF meetings, and ABRF RGs communications.

Best practices and tools for reporting reproducible fluorescence microscopy methods

“…Imaging scientists are encouraged to stay informed about resources on education, rigor and reproducibility and to contribute to the development of guidelines and standards by many initiatives in the imaging community 6,[48][49][50] . These initiatives (including those in Supplementary Table 1, as well as many others) can help in this task by presenting the resources in conferences, workshops and other educational initiatives they support.…”

“…We recognize that addressing microscopy reproducibility is a complex, multifaceted issue that will require an ongoing and coordinated effort from everyone involved in scientific research. In particular, we recognize the contributions from core facilities and imaging scientists who are uniquely positioned to assist researchers in addressing these challenges by educating and supporting the scientific community 3,5,6,9,17,44,45,[48][49][50][51][52] (Supplementary Table 1). While this Perspective has focused on reporting of microscopy methodology, we emphasize that appropriate method validation and experimental design are critical to ensure the quality of quantitative microscopy data and the continued progress of feasible, rigorous and reproducible image-based science.…”

Establishing a national strategy for shared research resources in biomedical sciences

“…The research group model of ABRF has been a champion for addressing the cognitive bias in research design and data analysis by revealing the strengths and limitations of advanced technology and its applications 7 . While this is only one aspect of the bigger problem, 8 it is a key element that could be expanded and developed further through SRRs to improve research conduct.…”

Establishing a National Strategy for Shared Research Resources

“…For example, SRRs have been actively involved in improving the rigor and reproducibility of biomedical research, most notably through efforts of the Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities (ABRF). The research group model of ABRF has been a champion for addressing the cognitive bias in research design and data analysis by revealing the strengths and limitations of advanced technology and its applications (7). While this is only one aspect of the bigger problem (8), it is a key element that could be expanded and developed further to improve research conduct.…”