Simon Crowhurst, head of laboratories at the Faculty of Geosciences of the University of Cambridge, visited AMU in November as part of the CAM-UAM-BRIDGE 1 project on the transfer of good practices (IDUB program), led by prof. Witold Szczuciński. He visited laboratories at the Faculty of Biology, Faculty of Geographical and Geological Sciences and Wielkopolska Centre for Advanced Technologies, and gave an open lecture on laboratory management. Ewa Konarzewska-Michalak talked to the scientist.
What do you think is the most important thing in managing laboratories?
This is a good question. I think structure is important, but relationships and trust between people are even more important. Staff must be able to explain the principles of cooperation and safe use of equipment to those who use the laboratory. It's like brewing tea - in addition to ingredients such as leaves and hot water, you also need people to advise you on how best to prepare it. I would say that mutual understanding is the essence of good communication.
What differences do you see in the functioning of the laboratory at Cambridge and AMU? What are your impressions after visiting our university?
I'm impressed. AMU has a new, very spatial infrastructure. In Cambridge, on the other hand, we work in buildings that are several hundred years old, which are cramped and difficult to maintain. Sometimes it is difficult for us to accommodate all the equipment and materials for testing. Fortunately, these Victorian buildings are incredibly strong and solid. We are not afraid that the floor will collapse, even when we keep heavy equipment on the top floors. At AMU you have wonderful, modern buildings. As I entered the labs, I said: Wow, what a spacious room! I envy you a little bit. But we are also trying to move with the times - part of the university has been moved to a new building. However, we draw from tradition, we do not cut off from many years of experience, thanks to which we can build original principles. I am convinced that what is happening at AMU also reflects the extensive experience of people who work in the faculties.
What does it look like in terms of organization?
Cambridge is one of the UK's universities that are organised into a college. It looks a bit like at Hogwarts, where students live in houses like Griffindor, Slytherin. Relationships are also focused around colleges, people work together, run projects. The most distinguishing feature of Cambridge employees is their sense of being rooted in history. After all, Newton and many other great explorers worked here; we know that we are part of a process that has been going on for a long time, we are one team. We compete with each other, but at the same time, we can cooperate. The college structure and a very long history are the hallmarks of Cambridge.
What can we learn from the Cambridge experience in laboratory management?
I think that some procedures at AMU are better implemented than at Cambridge, they are less old-fashioned. With us, some things should be more formalized. Of course, we need flexibility, but not quite the flexibility we have, which is largely based on understanding and trust between researchers and technical staff. There is no information transfer procedure between different employees that is subject to the risk of error. I believe that the balance between flexibility and formalization is very important, but also difficult to maintain. There will always be tension between the two, but it is important that both directions work together. I would like to add that I am very happy to visit Poznań. I am full of ideas after the meetings at AMU. I will definitely share my impressions after my return to Cambridge.