Interdisciplinary space, including, but not limited to, the Science and Engineering Building (SEB), the Harry Reid Center (HRC), Campus Laboratory Building 3 (CLB3), the Accelerator Lab Building (ALB), and the Animal Care Facility are managed by the Vice President for Research (VPR). Research faculty wishing to be assigned space in a VPR facility must complete a Research Space Request and submit it via the dean of their department. Completed requests should be emailed to Kris Davidson, Executive Director of Research Infrastructure at kris.davidson@unlv.edu for consideration by the VPR Space Committee.  Occupants of VPR facilities are expected to work with the manager of each facility to support lab infrastructure research requirements and concerns.

Vice President for Research Research Lab Space
Research laboratory space (both wet and dry) is a high-value asset for UNLV that needs to be assessed, allocated and reallocated in a reasonable and objective manner in order to support the university strategic research objectives. Priority is given to research activities that are most productive and advance the University's mission in the most effective manner. For this reason, a Research Space Committee is established to evaluate interdisciplinary space usage, including, but not limited to, the Science and Engineering Building (SEB), Harry Reid Center (HRC), Campus Lab Building 3 (CLB-3), the Accelerator Lab Building (ALB), and the Animal Care Facility. These spaces are managed by the Vice President for Research (VPR). Other research spaces located within college buildings are considered to be managed by the dean of the respective department. Due to limited research space, the deans also manage these spaces effectively and efficiently to best serve the university’s research objectives.

Space managed by the VPR is reviewed annually, or as necessary, by the VPR Space Committee. Space allocation discussions are initially focused around research expenditures, proposal activity, and student support and matriculation, and lab activity and efficiency. Other factors may be considered if an allocation warrants further consideration. Based on the Research Space Committee’s recommendations, the VPR will make space decisions and share them with the appropriate dean(s) and the Office of Space Management. It is the dean’s responsibility to notify affected faculty and discuss alternative research space options within their division, if required. The overall needs of the campus will take priority over the individual needs of units.

Committee Composition – Voting Members
• Dean of the College of Engineering or designee
• Dean of the College of Sciences or designee
• A faculty representative from the College of Engineering who does not occupy space in these facilities
• A faculty representative from the College of Sciences who does not occupy space in these facilities
• Associate Vice President for Research or designee
• Executive Vice President and Provost/Space Management Representative
• Other deans or faculty representatives as deemed appropriate by the VPR

Non-voting members include the SEB, HRC, CLB-3, ALB, and Animal Care Facility managers. They are invited to provide background information and data for decision-making.

Meetings
The Office of the VPR will schedule meetings and provide data in advance related to research metrics.

Other research spaces located within college buildings are considered to be under the control of the Dean. The Dean is expected to use these spaces effectively and efficiently due to limited research space.

Providing a Safe Working Environment
An essential requirement of all University projects, whether sponsored or not, is to provide a safe working environment for all students, staff, and faculty engaged in teaching and/or research.

The PI, PD or supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day management of all research conducted under his/her supervision or in University facilities assigned to that individual.

The responsibilities of a PI, PD or supervisor include, but are not limited to:

• Ensuring the routine availability of any equipment or facilities required to conduct specific research;
• Providing any necessary safety equipment for the conduct of research under his/her supervision;
• Ensuring that each individual complies with the standards for safe behavior in the laboratory;
• Ensuring all personal protective equipment and safety equipment is in good working condition, including routine (at least monthly) activation of eyewashes and safety showers; and
• Ensuring that each individual has completed appropriate safety training for the hazards present in the laboratory and the specific type of work being performed to comply with all applicable federal, state, and University regulations

Strict compliance with all safety standards outlined by Risk Management and Safety is required. These standards are supplemented by any additional safety precautions adopted by the University, the researcher’s college, department, or organized research unit (ORU).

Laboratory safety information is available at laboratory biosafety and chemical hygiene.  Information on the use of radioactive materials and radiation-producing equipment can be found at radiological safety. Safety training offerings are listed here.

Questions regarding safe practices in the lab, safety issues, or safety training should be directed to Julie Bertoia, Laboratory Safety Manager at julie.bertoia@unlv.edu