October University secures a first-in-Europe for microscopy imaging

World-leader in scientific optics Zeiss selects Galway as reference site for its most advanced technologies

University of Galway has been announced as the only site in Europe with a unique combination of ground-breaking microscopy and imaging technologies following a landmark agreement with ZEISS, a pioneer of scientific optics.

Under the partnership, University of Galway is the first Zeiss Labs@Location in Ireland, having been selected as a reference site for its most advanced technologies.

ZEISS is a world-leading technology enterprise in optics and optoelectronics, working with research institutions across the globe to advance innovation in science and industry.

The Zeiss Labs@Location partnership was made possible through funding provided by Taighe Éireann-Research Ireland, which brought three state-of-the-art microscopy technologies to University of Galway, facilitating unparalleled high-resolution, high-magnification investigations into tissue, cellular and sub-cellular structures in health and disease.

Professor David Burn, University of Galway President, said: “At University of Galway our research community is committed to pushing the boundaries of discovery and innovation. Our new partnership with ZEISS, through the Labs@Location programme, strengthens that commitment by positioning Galway as a unique hub for advanced imaging technologies in Europe. This collaboration not only enhances the resources available to our researchers and collaborators across the island, but also reinforces our reputation as a place where world-class science and industry come together to deliver real impact."

Professor Ted Vaughan, Director of the Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, said: “University of Galway’s partnership with ZEISS represents a transformative moment for research in Ireland. Being recognised as the first Labs@Location site in Ireland underscores our global leadership in microscopy and imaging for biomedical applications. It enhances the capabilities of our University’s Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation and the Institute for Clinical Trials and aligns with our University strategy to deliver distinctive research impact, and open new opportunities for collaboration and innovation across disciplines, sectors, and borders.”

Dr Kerry Thompson, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Imaging Scientist Fellow in the Anatomy Imaging and Microscopy Facility and Assistant Professor in Anatomy at University of Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, said: “This initiative not only strengthens Ireland’s research ecosystem but also puts University of Galway at the heart of Europe’s microscopy and imaging community. By combining state-of-the-art infrastructure with expertise, we can accelerate scientific discovery and foster new collaborations across academia and industry.”

The Labs@Location partnership creates opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry, including networking, co-development of applications, training and enhanced visibility in the global research community.

As a ZEISS reference site, University of Galway will host system demonstrations, training and joint research initiatives with partners across Ireland and internationally.

The three cutting-edge Zeiss systems being added to the University’s Microscopy and Imaging platforms including GeminiSEM 360 with Volutome – the first of its kind in Ireland, Elyra 7 – SIM² Super Resolution Microscope, and the Xradia Versa 620.

GeminiSEM 360 with Volutome will be rolled out in partnership with collaborators at University College Dublin and Queen’s University Belfast, strengthening all-island research cooperation, with the long-term goal of making these high-end technologies more widely accessible to the broader research community.

The agreement will be overseen by the University’s newly established Technology Services Directorate, a joint initiative between the College of Science and Engineering and the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. The Directorate, under the newly appointed leadership of Aoife Duffy, manages core facilities and technologies at University of Galway, with expert technical imaging core staff leading academic engagement at local, national and international levels.

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