Research Facilities
The research facilities unit supports our researchers with space, biosafety and core facility infrastructure.
General Information
The Research Facilities Department plays a vital role in supporting the scientific community at our institution by enabling safe, efficient, and cutting-edge research.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the department is structured around four key areas that together uphold the infrastructure, compliance, and services essential to research excellence: Research Core Facilities, Biosafety, Vivarium, Space and Construction Projects.
Operates advanced shared platforms across disciplines such as cell culture, genomics, histology, imaging, microfabrication, and flow cytometry. These facilities are staffed by highly skilled specialists who provide expert consultation, training, and hands-on support for experiment planning and execution.
Access Requests
Access requests must be submitted through the Research Facilities Business Management System (RFBMS) and is contingent on completion of appropriate orientation and training. See Research Facilities Guide below for building access instructions.
Biosafety training and inclusion on an approved biosafety permit are required for access to the wet bench areas.
Research Facilities Guide
This guide includes instructions for requesting access, handling security and safety concerns, and contacting key support teams. It also outlines sustainability practices and proper waste management, including procedures for sharps and biomedical waste.
Download Research Facilities Guide PDF
Biosafety
Oversight, training, and support to ensure safe handling of materials and regulatory compliance. Visit the Biosafety Page for more details.
Research Core Facilities
RESEARCH CORE FACILITIES (RCF) POLICIES
Policies regarding Access, Equipment Usage, Booking, and Data Storage across all Core Facilities
Authorship or Acknowledgement of Scientific Application Specialists
The RCF is a key part of the Keenan Research Centre, fostering collaboration and productivity. We encourage you to acknowledge the RCF in your publications through appropriate authorship or acknowledgement.
For authorship guidelines, please refer to the Nature Research Journals’ Authorship Policy.
Suggested Acknowledgment: "The authors acknowledge the Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science Core Facilities at St. Michael’s Hospital [and if applicable, name of the specialist] for [e.g., technical advice, expertise, training, etc.]"
Research Core Facilities (RCF) Fee Schedule
For external users or labs doing industry work, RCF fees apply. Please see fee schedule.
Explore Research Core Facilities
Genomics & Biology Core
High quality, cost-effective genomic services to researchers in academic, clinical and industry settings.
Histology Core
Enable detailed investigation of tissue structure, function, and disease progression across various biological systems.
Imaging Core
Advanced microscopy and imaging technologies—expert support to help researchers analyze biological structures.
Microfabrication Core
Provides equipment and expertise in microfabrication, rapid device prototyping, and nanotechnologies for biomedical applications.
Routine Equipment
The RCF's routine equipment includes over 120 items and services, such as cryogenics (liquid nitrogen, dry ice, backup freezers), glassware washing, sterilization equipment, water purification systems, gel imaging systems, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, and facilities for microbiology, virus labs, and chemical waste disposal.
Research Space
LI KA SHING KNOWLEDGE INSTITUTE AND KEENAN RESEARCH CENTRE FOR BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
In late 2010, more than 450 research employees and students from six sites moved into a new research space encompassing the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute and the Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science. Research Facilities has been part of the planning process from the onset of the project, ensuring that our new state-of-the-art research facility meets the needs of all St Michael’s research staff.
VENDOR SHOWS AND EVENTS
View our LKSKI Space Brochure to see spaces available for event rentals.
See LKSKI Event Space Brochure
If you would like to host a vendor show at the LKSKI, please fill out this form.
Contact Us
For any further inquiries, please contact researchfacilities@unityhealth.to
Get to know all of our specialists and staff here.