3 Practical Checks for Everyday Reliability in R&D Labs

Check #1:
Make training consistent across people and sites

During a recent webinar on productivity and reproducibility in R&D, JoVE Scientific Advisor Jordan Clark emphasized: “Reproducibility is one of the backbones of science.” The session served as a fall reset, encouraging research teams to revisit core practices and strengthen the basics. Training is one of the areas where those improvements can make an immediate difference.

Getting new staff up to speed quickly is a common challenge that impacts progress. Inconsistency in the onboarding process can overburden senior team members and introduce procedural variables from day one.  A structured lab cross-training program with built-in repeatable video protocols ensures that every new hire receives the same clear instructions, helping them master techniques at their own pace and reducing the risk of human error. 

Dr. Kathryn Walsh of Intellia Therapeutics explains: “It is difficult to visualize a text protocol, so being able to watch videos is very helpful. Usually, there are little tips or hacks demonstrated in the videos that aren’t described in the text protocol and those little tips can be very valuable in mastering a new procedure.”

Some labs also centralize training through tools like MyClass, which allows trainers to bundle videos, quizzes, and documents in one place. Having a structured hub makes it easier to track assignments, highlight areas where extra support is needed, and keep teams aligned.

Even small differences in how a step is carried out can affect results. Text-only SOPs often leave room for interpretation, increasing the likelihood of deviation. Standardizing lab procedures with clear visual demonstrations ensures everyone performs a technique the same way, providing the consistency needed to reduce experimental variability.

For example, detailed visualizations of procedures like imaging the human immunological synapse or isolation of mouse bone marrow cells show each step in practice, helping scientists interpret protocols the same way across teams.

Check #2:
Keep instruments dependable day to day for reliable results

Even a small calibration error in a balance or pipette can compromise an entire experiment. Establishing a preventive care schedule and keeping clear records of maintenance are central to safe, reliable operations. Regulatory bodies also stress this point, with the FDA outlining detailed expectations for equipment readiness in its current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) guidance.¹

Daily startup and shutdown steps are often rushed or skipped. Embedding short, step-by-step guides into SOPs helps ensure instruments are prepared consistently, reducing the risk of avoidable errors.

Experiments such as laser-induced action potential measurements in cardiomyocytes or non-plasma bonding of PDMS microfluidic devices show how careful equipment setup can be standardized across teams to reduce inconsistency.

Check #3:
Reinforce hazard awareness and emergency preparedness

A strong safety culture depends on more than posters on the wall. Teams need regular refreshers that make risks clear and memorable. Short, scenario-based demonstrations can be particularly effective for hazard awareness, helping researchers picture what to do when faced with spills, mislabeling, or unexpected reactions. 

This practical, risk-based approach aligns with guidance from global regulatory bodies like the World Health Organization, urging labs to move beyond basic checklists. By standardizing hazard management through repeatable, visual training, you protect not only your team but also the integrity of your research outcomes.

Reliability in biopharma is not achieved through one-off fixes but through discipline in daily routines. When training is consistent, equipment dependable, and safety actively reinforced, labs create the foundation for improving research reproducibility. This approach turns a scientific ideal into a daily operational standard.

Don’t let preventable deviations and failed experiments define your project timelines. 
Partner with JoVE to standardize procedures, accelerate R&D, and empower your team.

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (1979). Good Laboratory Practice Regulations: Management Briefings. https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/good-laboratory-practice-regulations-management-briefings-post-conference-report-aug-1979 
2. World Health Organization. (2020). Laboratory biosafety manual (4th ed.). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240011311