Core Facilities and Technology Platforms are increasingly important components of the science research landscape. However, data on facility operations and staff careers are lacking to inform their development. Here we have surveyed 114 people working in 46 light microscopy (LM) facilities within the United Kingdom. Our survey explores issues around career progression, facility operations and funding. The data show that facilities are substantial repositories of equipment and knowledge which adapt to meet the needs of their local environments. Our report highlights the challenges faced by facility managers, institutions and funders in evaluating facility performance and devising strategies to maximise the return on research funding investment.

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我们的基础设施的结构是什么？英国光学显微镜设施回顾

核心设施和技术平台是科学研究领域越来越重要的组成部分。然而，缺乏设施运营和员工职业的数据来为他们的发展提供信息。在这里，我们调查了在英国 46 个光学显微镜 (LM) 设施中工作的 114 人。我们的调查探讨了职业发展、设施运营和资金方面的问题。数据显示，设施是设备和知识的重要存储库，可适应当地环境的需求。我们的报告强调了设施管理者、机构和资助者在评估设施绩效和制定战略以最大限度地提高研究资金投资回报方面面临的挑战。