ANSWERS
Q. I understand that BioAssayLINK provides the Seeker with a list of labs that meet their specific requirements, however does BioAssayLINK then broker a deal between the two interested parties?
A. BioAssayLINK is only a matching tool. We provide Seekers with a list of labs that have the expertise and know-how to undertake the specific task being sought. We do not get involved in establishing formal contracts or agreements. That is up to the individual parties and should be handled via their respective contract research or commercialization sections. The collaboration can take several forms. It may be a straight contract research, development of I.P. jointly, or some combination of these.
back to top
Q. How is BioAssayLINK different to PubMed?
A. PubMed is a powerful tool for finding out who and what has been published in a very specific field of research. Users can obtain an extensive list of publications on any specific topic (or author) and can limit their research by key words, author, publication year, type of article etc. Often 100’s or 1000’s of individual articles are returned, sometimes even for narrow searches. It often takes a skilled and knowledgeable user to be able to identify appropriate and useful information on a chosen topic. There is no certainty that the research work was undertaken recently or whether the mountain of methods contained within each publication is presently available within that lab or whether the principal researcher has re-located his or her lab. Often there are multiple authors each responsible for part of the lab work and this is not always obvious from reading the publication.
The main difference (and our strength) with BioAssayLINK is that we have packaged the information in such a way that a Seeker can ask a specific question or a broad question depending on their need, and can obtain a list of labs that currently have the knowledge and assays within their lab. In addition, the contact persons details such as phone number and email address are readily available so you can be sure your enquires will go directly to the key contact. Note that Providers have invested time and been proactive by entering their specific capabilities into the BioAssayLINK system. Using BioAssayLINK’s linking tool saves time and money and only provides the Seeker with the specific information they are seeking in a concise report.
back to top
Q. How many Providers are in the BioAssayLINK database?
A. This is a time dependent question. BioAssayLINK launched its unique online linking tool on September 26, 2006. Clearly it is not possible to have a comprehensive database overnight. As at 26th May 2010, there are in excess of 2000 capabilities in the database and it continues to increase.
back to top
Q. If a Seeker requests a bioassay capability in one category will a match occur with a Provider who has entered the information in another bioassay category field?
A. Yes! All bioassay information is searched when a specific request by a Seeker is made to ensure that all relevant matches are included in their report. The categories exist to help provide some logical grouping of each Provider’s bioassay capabilities. Researchers are all individuals and as each may have a slightly different way of interpreting which category a bioassay capability belongs to.
back to top
I have chosen to pay on an invoice. I want to transfer funds direct to your bank account. What is your IBAN code?
A. The IBAN system is applicable in Europe and is not used in Australia (the headquarters of BioAssayLINK). To transfer funds, please use BioAssayLINK’s bank details as provided on the invoice, or pay by Credit Card or PayPal. Some customers send us cheques in their home country’s currency or in Australian Dollars which is another alternative method of paying.
back to top
Specific to Providers
Q. I am not sure which bioassay category I should enter my biological assays into?
A. The explanation in the blue information icons directly adjacent each bioassay category is a guide. If you are still unclear, look at the examples in the demo section (use ‘demo login’ on the Provider homepage).
The important point is to enter your specific bioassay capabilities into the system under what you feel is the most appropriate category. The different bioassay categories allow you to quickly visualize your listings when selecting ‘My Bioassay Listings’.
It is important to note that when a Seeker requests lab options, all Provider bioassay listings are searched to ensure all relevant matches are included in their report.
back to top
Q. I am concerned about potential intellectual property issues if I list with BioAssayLINK. How does BioAssayLINK address this issue?
A. Intellectual property (I.P.) is rarely an issue in our system simply because you control the information submitted. For example, if you have a mouse model for HIV then only include the information that will allow Seekers to identify that your lab has that capability. You should never disclose important or sensitive information that is not already in the public domain (i.e. never been published or presented at a conference) or the precise details of your method that may give away important information to competitors. If you are in any doubt about I.P. issues with the information you entered into the database, you should get advice from your contract research or commercialization section.
back to top
Q. I am a Provider, how does your linking tool work for the Seekers?
A. The best way to answer this question is for Providers to enter the ‘Bioassay Seeker’ gateway and explore the menu items of interest, like ‘Pricing’ and ‘How it Works’ and/or download the brochure specific for Seekers. To obtain more detailed information, select ‘demo login’ towards the bottom of the Seeker Homepage and explore ‘My Information Requests’, ‘Create Information Request’ and ‘Make a Payment’ menu items. If you are interested in our service both as a Seeker and a Provider please register separately via the two separate portals as a Seeker and Provider and/or sign up for both the Seeker and Provider newsletters. Specific issues relating to Seekers are contained in FAQ’s menu item on the Seeker Homepage.
back to top
Q. Before I invest my time and money in BioAssayLINK, how do I know that Seekers are actually using the system?
A. The need for a unique matching tool, such as BioAssayLINK, is largely being driven by Seekers. On our home page you will find ‘‘Examples of Seeker’s Reports’, ‘User Comments’, ‘News and Events’, ‘Service Provider of the Month’ and more. The individual customer portals (Biomedical Researchers, Service Providers, Specialized Consultants and Seekers) also have additional information. The Promotional Activities link, on the home page, also provides a wealth of information.
back to top
Q. I want my colleagues to also be able to login and view our bioassay listings. What is the easiest way to allow this to occur?
A. You could simply just provide your colleagues with the username and password to allow them to access your bioassay listings. However, note that they will also have the ability to modify any entered information. Alternately, when you register as a new user, provide the email contacts of your colleagues in the fields provided (towards the end of the profile page) or add them later by selecting ‘Profile’ from the main menu. All automatically generated emails will be sent to all email addresses that you provide in the 'Profile’ section.
back to top
Q. Instead of using a credit card to pay, can you provide us with an invoice?
A. There are three ways to pay:
- Credit Card
- Invoice with 30 day terms
- PayPal.
If you what to be invoiced then an invoice is automatically generated online by following these steps.
- Login, or if a new user, register.
- Select ‘Make A Payment’ on the main menu (and on the next page also)
- Select the number of bioassays you want to enter (in blocks of 10)
- Select ‘Continue’ and you will be presented with three payment options ‘ Credit Card, Invoice or PayPal’
- Select ‘Invoice’ and an invoice will be generated online with all your company’s details and a reference number.
- Print this invoice using the button provided and present this to your accounts department for payment.
Note: Once you have selected the ‘Invoice’ option you then have immediate access to the ‘Create Bioassay Listing’ menu.
back to top
Q. Can I login to the Seeker gateway once I have registered as a Provider?
A. Unfortunately not. Each group has their own specific issues which are communicated on the user specific web pages, via newsletters, FAQ’s, editorials and marketing material. As a Provider, if you also wished to be informed on issues relating to Seekers or if you are a Provider and Seeker then either registered as both a Provider and Seeker using the same username and password or sign up for the newsletter (both of these are free).
back to top
Q. How can I find out how many times my lab has been put forward in a report to Seekers?
A. This is a desirable feature to have for lots of reasons. We hope to deliver this functionality in the not too distant future. Where practical we will advise you when your capabilities and expertise have been put forwarded to a seeker.
back to top
Q. We provide an immunoassay (antibody and ELISA) development service? Is BioAssayLINK interested in these services?
A. Clearly your company has expertise in the biomedical R&D field which researchers, biotech and pharma have a need for. Therefore the answer is ‘Yes’. The most appropriate bioassay category for listing your capability would probably be ‘Specialized Technique’.
back to top
Specific to Seekers
Q. After submitting a request for lab and consultant options using ‘Create Information Request’ I presume that if no matches can be found then I don’t pay?
A. You are correct. If your information request was very narrow, the next best alternatives will be provided for your consideration.
back to top
Q. Why can’t I view the lab matches online in real time before I pay?
A. At present the lab searches are conducted by trained BioAssayLINK staff and the information is supplemented with information sourced through several additional channels. It has to be done this way to ensure you obtain an appropriate list of lab options and that the information extracted from the BioAssayLINK database meets your specific request. We are also exploring how best we can deliver a fully functional automated search function for Seekers.
back to top
Q. I am a Seeker, how does your linking tool work for the Providers?
A. The best way to answer this question is for Seekers to enter the ‘Bioassay Provider’ gateway and explore the menu items of interest, like ‘Pricing’ and ‘How it Works’ and/or download the brochure specific for Providers/Biomedical Researchers. To obtain more detailed information, select ‘demo login’ towards the bottom of the Provider Homepage and explore ‘My Bioassay Listings’, ‘Create Bioassay Listing’ and ‘Make a Payment’ menu items. If you are interested in our service both as a Provider and a Seeker please register separately via the two separate portals as a Provider and Seeker and/or sign up for both the Provider and Seeker newsletters. Specific issues relating to Providers are contained in FAQ’s menu item on the Provider Homepage.
back to top
Q. Can I login to the Provider gateway once I have registered as a Seeker?
A. Unfortunately not. Each group has their own specific issues which are communicated on the user specific web pages, via newsletters, FAQ’s, editorials and marketing material. As a Seeker, if you also wished to be informed on issues relating to Providers or if you are a Seeker and Provider then either registered as both a Seeker and Provider using the same username and password or sign up for the newsletter (both of these are free).
back to top
|
