Any researcher in the United States who is dependent on government funding knows first-hand the devastation that the sequestration wrought. Some have found ways, temporarily, to do more with less money, while others have had to pack up their research tents for good.

While it might be the season for beach trips and family vacations, for most of us those getaways only
fill a few weeks at best. After that, it’s back to the workplace or, in your case, the lab.

Running out of time or money is something most of us strive to avoid. In business, as in life, the goal is to save as much of both as you can. This month we look at a few ways to achieve that goal in your lab. Let’s start with time.

Last year we reported a distressing decline in nearly every area of laboratory safety practices among the nearly 600 respondents who participated in the survey.

It is not news that the research workplace has changed considerably over the past decade. As with many businesses, laboratories have come under pressure to generate better results with ever greater efficiency.

Though they say this winter on the east coast was NOT the longest or snowiest on record, I’m hard pressed to believe it. The stubborn patch of snow I’m looking at outside my office window indicates otherwise and shows absolutely no sign of melting...

The time has come for lab managers to partner with their IT departments to find the best ways to mine their data "gold"

A scientist/manager’s role now includes much more than producing sound research results

We first discussed the impact of social media on the sciences in April, 2011. Then, 100 percent of lab managers admitted to never having used flickr and over 80 percent hadn’t opened a Facebook account. Revisiting the topic in September 2012, we said that getting a grip on social media remained a challenge. “Untamed and unpredictable, it rolls like a cyber tsunami, sweeping and reordering the communication landscape.” This month we return to the topic again and, wow, what a difference 15 months can make.

Judging by this month’s cover story as well as the results of our latest Laboratory Spending Trends survey, it’s safe to say that federal budget cuts have created serious challenges for the scientific research community.

We all know that organizations these days face changes like never before. Globalization, breakneck technological innovation, and increased competition result in a constantly evolving business environment. The same is true for laboratories. 

Poor management leads to poor morale, which leads to lack of focus, which leads to failure

A diversity of materials and objects keeps this lab focused as much on the chemistry as the artwork

This year’s survey indicates new growth in the lower ranks of organizations

We’ve all done it. Either in a rush, under pressure, or trying to save money, we’ve gambled with our safety. Opting not to wear the bike helmet for a quick ride around town; skipping the sunscreen since it’s really not that sunny; not flossing, despite the dental hygienist’s threats and pleas. While these examples are fairly trivial and affect only oneself, other safety gambles have much more serious consequences.