To foster the value of resource sharing and save unnecessary expenses by avoiding repeat purchases of the same equipment, the Office of Research and Development (ORD) has been promoting the expensive instrument sharing system since 2007. Regulations are devised to facilitate instrument open service and encourage colleges to establish joint instrument centers with the aim to make the use of instruments more efficient. Examples of the centers include the College of Medicine First Core Laboratory, the College of Bioresources and Agriculture Joint Center for Instruments and Researches, the College of Life Science TechComm, and the College of Science Precision Instrumentation Center.

The open service for instruments has achieved significant results for NTU’s research efforts. However, as competition intensifies among higher education institutions internationally, the current system is no longer adequate in helping the University advance to the next level in its specialized domains. To advance the University’s key instrument analysis techniques, research efforts, and international influence, the Office of Research and Development (ORD) has established the NTU Consortia of Key Technologies platform for three domains - mass spectrometry, molecular imaging, and electron microscopy. This platform is supported by professors, professional technical staff, and cutting-edge core facilities. It is a professional platform that offers basic analysis services and solutions to advanced problems by utilizing the existing instruments of the University. Besides basic analyses, the platform also features consulting and research services for highly challenging and cutting-edge research topics. The experts are responsible for identifying the difficulty level of questions and then designate appropriate facilities on the platform based on the needs for the purpose of conducting research analysis. This process helps optimize the efficient use and precise analysis of instruments. By establishing such a platform, NTU seeks to elevate its research quality in relevant domains.

To assist new faculty members to take advantage of the aforementioned facilities, the ORD has implemented the Pilot Project for Subsidizing Instrument User Fee. Professors can apply for basic testing analysis or propose collaborative research on the platform. The pilot project is expected to encourage research efforts of professors and help enhance the University’s strengths in research and development.