Behavioral and Phenotyping Facility

These fees apply to researchers from the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), ACHUCARRO, and other Public Research Organizations (P-RPOs). In the case of external entities, fees can vary depending on the type of service (assisted or self-service) and the user profile.

The fees include the Platform's staff time (planning, execution, data analysis, and reporting) and are calculated per hour of use of the equipment or services, with a specific number of mice per session according to the protocol. In addition, additional costs such as animal request (if applicable) and daily maintenance expenses (per diem) may apply. Other costs related to specific equipment or supplies (e.g., drugs, biosensors, etc.) not included in the standard study design can be coordinated through the Phenomics Unit of the Bizkaia Animal Facility, but their cost will be the sole responsibility of the requesting laboratory. To request a quote or to coordinate these services, please contact the responsible parties at behavioral.facility@achucarro.org and unidadfenomica.animalario-bi@ehu.eus  

REQUEST OF SERVICES

Confidentiality

The Platform does not share data or project information without the express consent of the Principal Investigator (PI). The data generated is stored in a secure electronic system, accessible only by collaborating researchers and key Platform staff. For UPV/EHU users, confidentiality is governed by university policies available at https://www.ehu.eus/es/web/sgiker/normativa, which protect research data and results from unauthorized disclosure.

Conflict Resolution and Work Prioritization

Study scheduling will be tailored to researchers' requests as much as possible. In the event of capacity constraints, work will be prioritized on a "first-come, first-served" basis, with justified exceptions (e.g., testing animals on specific age groups or urgent preliminary data for funding applications).

Publications and Acknowledgments

Researchers are requested to acknowledge the Platform in publications or funding applications using its services, including the following: "This work has been supported by the Animal Phenotyping and Behavior Platform of the Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience." Please notify the Platform Manager of any publications or patents derived from your work. Staff co-authorship is not mandatory for standard services, but will be considered if there are significant intellectual contributions (assay development, manuscript writing, etc.).

Equipment Training

The Platform is not freely accessible. Staff, under the supervision of the Manager, will perform the assays agreed upon with the PI. If direct use of equipment by the researcher's laboratory is authorized, training provided by Platform staff will be required.

Payment and Cost Recovery Policies

Users must pay for the services provided. After an initial consultation, a detailed quote will be provided; a UPV/EHU account number or purchase order will be required. Full payment is expected upon data submission, regardless of the results obtained. If the work is not completed for reasons attributable to the PI (e.g., animal unavailability), the work performed will be charged; if the issue is related to the Platform (e.g., equipment failure), no invoice will be issued. Billing will be issued upon completion of the study or at agreed milestones for longer projects. 

Contact behavioral.facility@achucarro.org and unidadfenomica.animalario-bi@ehu.eus for invoicing questions.