Recent developments within microscopy already make it possible to visualize and adjust processes in living cells, organoids and small animal models, for example by administering a new drug. In NL-BioImaging, the researchers join forces to be able to study disease-related mechanisms and effects of potential therapies in cells and tissues. The results of their work enable the development of biomarkers, vaccines and personalized therapies for complex diseases.
"We are very pleased with this award of 25 million euros. This will allow us to interconnect all Dutch microscopy facilities within a network to share and reuse data and data analysis protocols," says project coordinator and professor of Cellular imaging Eric Reits at Amsterdam UMC. Marloes Groot, Professor of Biophotonics & Medical Imaging at VU Amsterdam: "We are currently working on translating intra-operative 3D pathology based on higher harmonic generation microscopy to the clinic. With this investment and the collaborations within this project, I can now enable research on disease processes in human tissue using this microscopy technique. In addition, we will work on the development of higher harmonic generation endoscopy."
The NWO grant was awarded within the National Roadmap for Large-Scale Research Infrastructure.
Image: PhD student Laura van Huizen, professor and pulmonologist Jouke Annema (Amsterdam UMC) and professor Marloes Groot (left to right) work together on translating innovative microscopy to the clinic.