Empowering Research: The Strategic Role of Core Imaging Facilities in Advancing Microscopy and Scientific Collaboration

Core imaging facilities represent a strategic approach to operating high-end microscope systems, providing a robust base of microscopy expertise and knowledge that is accessible to a wide range of researchers. With approximately 200 active users per year at facilities such as the Center of Advanced Imaging (CAi) at the Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf (HHU) in Germany, headed by Prof. Stefanie Weidtkamp-Peters, these centers foster collaboration and innovation across scientific disciplines.

The systematic acquisition of new microscope systems ensures that researchers have access to cutting-edge technology. In addition, centralized data storage and IT infrastructure facilitate seamless data management and accessibility. Long-term funding through user fees ensures that all microscopes remain operational and equipped with the latest software versions, enhancing both research and teaching capabilities. This model not only optimizes the use of resources, but also cultivates an environment in which scientific inquiry can flourish.

While plant researchers typically prefer upright stands for their microscopy experiments, the CAi has only inverted microscope stands. This compromise in instrument configuration is necessary because many biomedical researchers also use the CAi systems to perform experiments such as live cell imaging with the confocal microscopes. For such applications, an inverted microscope stand is essential, as live cells are best observed during experiments through a glass bottom in small Petri dishes in their media solution.

A major challenge for the CAi team is to perform regular performance checks on the systems, despite the high workload and demand for microscope training. These performance checks are critical to identify issues such as scratches on the front lens of an objective or misalignment of an optical path to ensure the reliability of the microscope systems.
 

It becomes increasingly important to address the challenges associated with image data management. Research data management is crucial for the application of AI, for data integration, for economic (re-)use of data, for increasing data reliability and for sustainability. Ensuring that image data is FAIR—findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable—is essential for maximizing the impact of research and facilitating the integration of artificial intelligence in scientific inquiry. The data is large, the image data type is complex. Tools, standards, infrastructure need to be developed.

Weidtkamp-Peters is also a founding member and current head of the GerBI-GMB Society (German Society for Microscopy and Image Analysis). It connects and supports microscopists and bioimage analysts as well as core facilities throughout Germany and beyond. It has been founded in April 2017 as the successor of the DFG-funded German BioImaging network. Currently, 52 imaging core facilities and microscopy research labs are part of GerBI-GMB. It is therefore reaching out to ~ 5000 users.

In conclusion, core imaging facilities play a pivotal role in advancing microscopy and fostering collaboration among researchers across various disciplines. By providing access to high-end microscope systems and a wealth of expertise, these facilities not only enhance the quality of research but also promote innovation through shared resources. The establishment of networks like the GerBI-GMB Society further strengthens this collaborative spirit, connecting a vast community of microscopists and bioimage analysts while ensuring that the latest advancements in technology are accessible to all.