Webinar "Organizing Shared Life Science Research Infrastructures"

On April 23rd, 2024, OH-BOOST hosted speakers from the University of Helsinki; 

• Tiina Avomaa: Senior Advisor in Research Administration

• Maria Vartiainen: Research Director, Institute of Biotechnology (BI), and the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) deputy director for research infrastructures

• Marko Peura: Senior Advisor, Research Infrastructure Affairs

• Harri Nurmi: Senior Advisor, Research Infrastructure Affairs

Speakers talked about various topics, including case examples of infrastructure mapping, managing LSRI units, research infrastructure development, and life science research infrastructures at the University of Helsinki. 

Marko Peura, Senior Advisor, highlighted the university's wide participation in Finland's infrastructure landscape, emphasizing the importance of research infrastructures in attracting talent and fostering development.

Tina Avomaa, senior advisor, discussed her involvement in the UNA.RESIN project within the Una Europa Network, focusing on mapping infrastructures to strengthen research and innovation. They aimed to develop shared strategies and address collaboration obstacles.

Harri Nurmi emphasized "High Life's" role in coordinating LSRI and outlined their organizational structure. He discussed LSRI's maturation process, evaluation criteria, and funding sources within Finland.

Maria Vartiainen provided an overview of the Light Microscopy Unit (LMU) at the Institute of Biotechnology. LMU collaborates on imaging projects, provides data storage, and offers cell culture facilities. They serve over 200 users annually and maintain an annual budget of around 1 million euros. Maria highlighted LMU's dedicated team, comprehensive website, and user-friendly processes. She discussed funding sources, user training, and communication between the core facility and users.

The video from the webinar is available below.