Core Facilities

Core facilities combine technologies, methods and equipment in one facility. They provide seamless access to a state-of-the-art infrastructure and ensure its optimal utilisation. Through comprehensive service, advice and support in the planning of research projects and their realisation in a core facility, they promote synergies, facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technology and strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation. As crucial components of sustainable research, these service centres strive to make research infrastructure and technologies available to many users at a reasonable cost.

Access is open to all members of the university as well as colleagues from our cooperating non-university institutions and external partners. Saarland University actively supports the expansion of core facilities and provides centralised support to ensure long-term prospects for academic and administrative staff in the operation and maintenance of modern equipment.

First and foremost, core facilities function as independent service centres, equipped with their own staff and equipment. They are not affiliated with any specific research group, but operate within a governance structure. The administrative and scientific staff provide expert support to researchers and make a significant contribution to the success of research projects. Core facilities operate under utilisation concepts and fee structures that are reviewed by an expert commission (Core Facilities Supervisory Committee).