With the rapid advance of technologies, a lot of research is being privatized. Many qualified people are setting up their laboratories to pursue lines of research without the heavy hand of corporate overlords corrupting the process. Independent study is being conducted in many fields in private laboratories and sometimes even in people’s garages. Scientific fields are so varied that you can probably find funding to pursue discoveries if you find a promising niche. Much of the laboratory equipment is digital, robotic, or at least computer-based, making it easier for small operators to dive into whatever field that seems worthwhile. Here are some things to consider when setting up a private lab.
- Purpose: Having a clear goal is essential in the establishment of a lab. The types of experimentation and the equipment and facilities required will affect all your following decisions; without a clear purpose, you won’t be able to design your layout or even know how much space you will need or what special services. You will be delayed in your applications for grants or seeking funding, and you will not know what type of budget you should be considering. There is also the matter of licensing and restrictions involved.
- Equipment: It is essential to know upfront what types of laboratory equipment you will require. Some types of research utilize very specialized devices that may need to be pre-ordered or even custom-made. And you will have to arrange delivery of the high-tech materials; a standard courier cannot just deliver them. It would help if you started consultations with high-tech delivery services, like Rhenus High Tech. It is also essential to understand what the requirements of the machinery are. And if they can even be installed in the location that you have chosen for the lab.
- Safety Equipment and Procedures: Some laboratory equipment requires high voltages, radioactive elements, and highly toxic materials and may also present other risks. All laboratories need to have clear safety procedures and good labelling of all safety equipment. Data handling is another risk. Research data should be kept safe and suitable biometric security profiles should be in place, along with advanced data security systems and encryption.
- Network: Because your lab will be independent, you will need to develop your network of suppliers and collaborators to work symbiotically on different parts of the same problem.
- Paperwork: Depending on what type of research you will be doing, you will have to apply for all the permits and complete whatever safety certifications are required to handle your research materials. You will also have to check with zoning laws to ensure that you can proceed with your plans in the area you have chosen.
It has never been easier to set up a private lab and take advantage of the massive amount of money available for research. But laboratories are expensive to set up and represent several risks that need to be considered. But if a good plan is in place and all the correct protocols are followed. There is no reason why you can’t have a research laboratory of your own.