Imaging centers: partnering academia

June, 2009

Background

Over a period of about eight years, Nikon has collaborated internationally with selected universities to establish Nikon Imaging Centers (NICs). NICs provide researchers with access to the very latest imaging products as well as technical expertise and user support. For Nikon, collaboration with universities allows close communication with end users and a greater understanding of researchers' imaging needs for future product development.

Engel U. Imaging centers as partnerships between industry and academia: NICs go global. Biotechnol J. 2009;4(6):797-803.

Summary:

Ulrike Engel from the University of Heidelberg, Germany, explains how NICs work in practice. The NIC at the University of Heidelberg (NIC@HD) has 240 active users from more than 90 research groups who have access to nine imaging setups (two Ti inverted microscope with C1Si and A1RSi confocal systems; two Perkin Elmer UltraView ERS spinning disk confocal microscopes on Nikon Ti inverted microscopes with Prior automated xy-stages; LaVision Biotec 2-photon microscope on Nikon FN-1 fixed stage microscope; Nikon TIRF microscope fitted with Sutter fast filter wheels; Nikon 90i upright microscope; Nikon AZ100 Multizoom; and Nikon BioStation). Nikon imaging equipment is loaned to the centre and is upgraded as new models become available. The NIC has the opportunity to test whether new instruments are appropriate for researchers needs and can negotiate replacements if required. A good relationship between the University and Nikon helps the facility maintain and operate highly sophisticated equipment. Open exchange between users, NIC staff and Nikon also helps to share expertise.

NIC staff members train users on the microscopes using their own samples and help with experimental set up, although the interpretation of results is the responsibility of the researcher alone. Training courses are also offered by NICs on a regular basis to encourage a greater understanding of microscopy. Research conducted at the NIC@HD over the last 3.5 years has resulted in around 50 peer-reviewed research papers. Researchers have been able to exchange and improve imaging setups to enable new applications and increased productivity. Each NIC has its own focus of expertise. The author concludes that systematic exchange of information between NICs and other imaging centers is an untapped resource, which could help develop solutions for common problems and promote the development of novel imaging solutions.