Emory University hosted the 2023 Southeastern Association of Shared Resources (SEASR, pronounced Caesar) conference last month. The multi-day summit attracts renowned scientific research institutions across the Southeast. The event provides core directors, research leadership, investigators, graduate students and more with a platform to collaborate on issues facing core facility researchers and discuss emerging trends.
“Emory is a natural choice for hosting SEASR because there are so many universities nearby and Atlanta is a hub for innovation” says Pritha Bagchi, PhD, associate director of the Emory Integrated Proteomics Core (EIPC) and 2023 president of SEASR, “Our unique partnerships like the Georgia Research Alliance exemplify institutional collaboration at its finest.”
At Emory, the Integrated Core Facilities play a vital role in research by providing access to instruments, services, technologies, and experts. These facilities require state-of-the-art technology to support and enhance the pace of scientific discovery. Bagchi adds, “Leadership at Emory is so supportive of developing the Cores that we have become the standard bearer for how to run a successful core. Other institutions see our model and are inspired by it.”
Lyra Griffiths, PhD, director of the Emory Integrated Genomics Core (EIGC) and 2023 treasurer of SEASR, praises the collaborative spirit of the Cores saying, “Within a few miles we have incredible access to resources from Emory National Primate Research Center, Winship Cancer Institute, the School of Medicine, and more. “The Core facilities at Emory foster collaboration between cores on campus and locally to provide innovative services for our customers. The unique organization of our Cores makes us a guiding light for other institutions".
"Leadership at Emory is so supportive of developing the Cores that we have become the standard bearer for how to run a successful core." - Pritha Bagchi, PhD, associate director of the Emory Integrated Proteomics Core (EIPC) and 2023 president of SEASR
Managing a successful Core requires a lot of strategy and planning. That’s why this year’s SEASR included a broad range of scientific topics in order to provide useful information for attendees with a variety of backgrounds. Selected topics included facility management, efficient laboratory practices, biotechnology advances and applications, federal and financial oversight, emerging issues facing cores, and more.
“People get into this career and don’t know where to go, says Bagchi, “so, we had a lot of talks about mentoring and leadership.” SEASR 2023 also included panels on leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and other valuable programming.
This year SEASR expanded its outreach efforts to encompass historically under-represented institutions and populations. As a result, the conference showcased a more diverse array of scientific topics and welcomed participants from a variety of backgrounds.
The effort contributed to a more exciting conference with record attendance and participants from seven different states. Bagchi credits everyone who helped make this year successful, adding “this is truly a team effort, and I want to thank everyone—from Emory leadership, to the executive board, to the participants, and the entire conference center staff— who helped us organize an incredible event!” Bagchi singles out praise for Sharon Kimbell, Director of Conference Planning at Emory Conference, for their help with event logistics.
Echoing Bagchi’s excitement, Griffiths says “we had generous sponsors this year, allowing more attendees to come for free. We’re excited to see how much things will grow next year.”
“The Integrated Core Facilities are key to Emory’s research excellence,” remarks Adam Marcus, PhD, Emory’s associate VP for research and associate dean of research cores and novel technologies, adding “Organizations like SEASR celebrate remarkable innovators and researchers. I am thrilled by the enthusiasm that emerged from this year's conference."
“Organizations like SEASR celebrate remarkable innovators and researchers. I am thrilled by the enthusiasm that emerged from this year's conference." - Adam Marcus, PhD, associate VP for research and associate dean of research cores and novel technologies
The Integrated Core Facilities at Emory offer investigators specialized equipment such as MRI Imaging, genomic analysis, immunoassays, and more, connecting them with the advanced tools and protocols necessary to fuel research excellence. Emory houses 18 dedicated core facilities, along with a wide variety of associated cores.