Program efficiency through vivarium flexibility: best practices from around the world

Balancing the ebb and flow of space requirements for diverse programs, studies and species while optimizing facility utilization is particularly critical for organizations targeting big operating efficiency improvement. Brad Goodwin reveals ten best practices for vivarium flexibility from a world-wide survey of animal research facilities, and he documents staffing and capital cost/program benefit rationales for each investment. He highlights the study expansion/contraction timelines, special species requirements, and biocontainment challenges that constrain flexibility, and the innovative facility, training, and equipment solutions organizations have found to minimize negative program impact in a safe, efficient, and standards-compliant manner.

Leader:

• Dr. Bradford S. Goodwin, Jr. -- Professor and Executive Director, Univ of Texas Health Science Center at Houston