Discovery Guides
Start with the scientific question—not the instrument.
The Fisher DDRC Discovery Guides are a growing collection of resources that capture experimental strategies, enabling technologies, and lessons learned through years of supporting biomedical research. Rather than beginning with individual instruments, these guides begin with the scientific question, helping investigators choose appropriate experimental approaches, understand what different technologies can contribute, interpret experimental results, and design robust studies. New guides and refinements will be added regularly as this living resource continues to evolve.
Whether advancing a fundamental biological discovery or an early-stage therapeutic program, successful research often begins with questions about experimental strategy rather than a particular technology. These Discovery Guides focus on helping investigators choose the most appropriate scientific approach. Detailed protocols, SOPs, and instrument-specific guidance provide the practical information needed to execute those experiments successfully.
Developing a Robust Assay
What makes an assay suitable for quantitative studies or screening?
Considerations include controls, dynamic range, reproducibility, reagent
stability, variability, and assay robustness.
Preparing for High-Throughput Screening
A screening campaign begins well before compounds are added to plates.
Learn how assay readiness, controls, automation, pilot studies, and follow-up
strategies contribute to reliable screening results.
Preparing for Biophysical Characterization
The quality of SPR, ITC, MST, DLS, and other biophysical measurements depends
heavily on the samples being studied. Learn what to consider about sample
purity, concentration, homogeneity, stability, buffers, aggregation, and controls.
From Screening Hit to Evidence
A screening hit is the beginning of an investigation, not the conclusion.
Confirmation, dose-response studies, counter-screens, and orthogonal assays can
help determine whether an observed signal represents reproducible biological
activity.
Choosing the Right Experimental Approach
There is often more than one way to address a scientific question. Available
reagents, throughput, sample consumption, biological relevance, expected
activity or affinity, and the decision an experiment needs to support can all
influence the choice of method.
Not sure where to begin? Investigators do not need to select
a technique before contacting the DDRC. A
technical consultation
can help identify an appropriate experimental strategy.
Join the Conversation
The Discovery Guides are intended to be a living resource that grows through
experience, scientific discussion, and continual refinement.
We regularly share new Discovery Guides, technology updates, practical
Lessons from the Bench, and experimental insights on LinkedIn.
We also welcome suggestions for future Discovery Guides and topics that would
benefit the research community.