The purpose of MWACD is to foster closer interactions among core facilities and to sponsor conferences of research core facility directors. We became the first official Chapter of the Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities (ABRF), and we cooperate with ABRF in our activities. Membership in the ABRF is encouraged, however it is NOT a requirement for attending MWACD meetings. Please visit the ABRF web site to see the many benefits including numerous technology study groups, discussion forums, and an exciting annual meeting.

We are now planning our fourth core directors conference. The goal of the conference is to provide an opportunity for networking among life science core directors and managers, for core directors to interact with colleagues, share technical advice, and discuss the continuing challenges associated with the operation of shared research resources and technologies. The organization and meetings are not intended to be exclusively confined to the Midwest region: all core directors, core staff, and core organization managers are encouraged to attend the meeting.

Advantages of a regional organization:

1. A smaller meeting provides a more intimate environment for greater interaction among participants. Sessions are geared more towards interactive discussions rather than lectures.
2. We have distinct characteristics: we are more spread out than our colleagues on the East coast creating more isolation; we have somewhat different institutions, etc. Meetings enhance networking.
3. By acting as a block, we might be able to develop closer ties to federal funding agencies, and to create greater leverage with our instrument and consumable vendors.
4. Lower travel and meeting expenses.