The Core Facilities Exchange offered by the Arkansas Research Alliance is an online platform designed to showcase advanced research instrumentation and services housed in labs across Arkansas.
Its key purpose is to widen access to high‐value equipment, support collaborations, and strengthen the state’s research ecosystem. There are currently 11, soon to be 12, industry and university partners that have their equipment listed on the site.
Many researchers, especially in smaller or less‐well-funded labs, struggle to access specialized equipment. Through its curated directory of available equipment and core facilities, the CFE helps reduce redundant capital expenditures, increases utilization of existing assets, and gives investigators access to resources they might not otherwise reach.
Researchers can search the platform for instruments or services, view technical information, and connect with the hosting facility.
Costs vary by host facility, but the search and match service facilitated by ARA is free.