Expertise is the new infrastructure

Today's life science endeavours are complex and interconnected, and they face diverse challenges, such as budgetary insecurity and the reproducibility crisis. As a result, core facilities have become vital in research institutes, transitioning from mere conveniences to essential components that ensure instrument access. Core facilities actively support and steer research with staff advising on experimental design and data interpretation. However, core facilities must, likewise, continually demonstrate their value, and there is no clear consensus on their optimal operational structure. Integration into larger, geographically distributed infrastructures represents a crucial opportunity for consolidation and differentiation, provided expertise and focus are clearly defined. Here, we outline concrete steps to emphasise specific application know-how and increase visibility for imaging facilities to become future-proof, improve matchmaking to attract the right users, and build international recognition across European infrastructures. By clearly delineating and differentiating expertise, core facilities can accelerate research and position themselves as integral components of large-scale, durable infrastructures.