CREx, the Collaborative Research Exchange, is a discovery tool available to NIH scientists and staff as part of the Intramural Research Program (IRP). It’s an exclusive NIH online searchable platform where IRP researchers can locate resources, services, and external vendor information to support their work at the NIH.

Those resources and services include those offered by the Office of Research Services (ORS).

A useful feature of CREx is the keyword search capability to compare detailed research service descriptions, design custom studies, request multiple quotes, and communicate with service providers, all from one interface. Results will provide the user with both NIH resources as well as those from external vendors. 

NIH resources, including ORS services, are always included in the results returned. In addition to keyword searching, you can browse by research categories such as: animal resources; bioinformatics, biostatistics and computing; and lab equipment, purchases and maintenance. These categories are exclusive to NIH.

ORS services are also browsable and featured by division. They include the NIH Library, Occupational Health and Safety, Radiation Safety, Scientific Equipment and Instrumentation Services, Veterinary Resources, and Medical Arts.

The Library may be best known for its online journals, e-books, and databases, but also includes research tools such as high-performance workstations and analysis tools, 3D printing support, manuscript editing, and professional support for systematic reviews. Perhaps most important are the training opportunities offered by the Library both in person and online. A complete listing can be found on the NIH Library web site.

 The Division of Occupational Health and Safety, responsible for developing and implementing NIH-wide safety and health programs, emphasizes prevention, surveillance, consultation, training and education. Featured services include the stocking of biological safety cabinets, integrated pest management, and ergonomic evaluations. A full description of available services can be found in CREx (nih.scientist.com) and on the DOHS website.

The Division of Radiation Safety, reached through CREx and through their website (https://drs.ors.od.nih.gov), is focused on safety, regulatory guidance, and risk management support to any NIH employee working with radioactive materials. DRS offers training, lab contamination surveys, and safe, secure shipping services. 

The Division of Scientific Equipment and Instrumentation Services (DSEIS) serves as an on-campus source for lab equipment when either buying, renting, or scheduling maintenance. More information and contacts can be found through CREx or the DSEIS website.

Animal care is centrally managed under the Division of Veterinary Resources (DVR), an AAALAC accredited program accessible through CREx, and their website. DVR manages a major part of the animal facility space at the NIH for all species, providing daily clinical oversight, and surgical and technical support to the NIH Intramural Program. DVR animal behaviorists offer expertise and consultations to NIH veterinarians and investigators, to enrich environments and ensure the psychological well-being of research animals.

Medical Arts is an in-house creative studio offering services in medical illustration, visual communication, and production. The full range of Medical Arts services can be found in CREx and on their website with contact information. 

While users are encouraged to contact the division representatives directly with questions and to make services requests, including pricing, CREx is an additional discovery tool available to NIH scientists and staff.

For questions or to schedule CREx training, please contact Dr. Lakshmi Darbha. Dr. Darbha also offers drop-in consultation at the NIH Library Technology Hub on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 am to 1 pm.

If laboratories in the Intramural Research Program would like to maximize the value of services offered to them by ORS, and how they can be discovered in CREx, contact Kate Oliver at Kathleen.oliver@nih.gov.