The Microscopy Innovation Centre is a Core Facility at King's College London and collaborates with academic and industrial partners to develop and house advanced microscopy instrumentation and analysis tools, offering cutting-edge microscopes to support users in their advanced imaging needs.
Our vision is to be a hub for innovative microscopy, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced imaging techniques and analysis tools to the research community. By working with our research user base and strategic industry partners, we aim to build a world-class, unique facility that delivers advanced, non-commercial imaging solutions to the life science community to drive new discoveries in biomedical research.
The Microscopy Innovation Centre consists of two core team members, an Image Analyst and an academic steering committee. If you have imaging requirements that you have not been able to satisfy with commercial microscopy systems, or if you would like to collaborate with us on a novel microscopy method then we would like to hear from you.
The MIC offers access and support in the use of advanced microscopy techniques to the wider community. Staffed by experienced microscopists, we provide user training and support alongside microscopy development, maintenance, and modifications.
We welcome new collaborations from research, industry, or companies. By offering our expertise, as well as demonstration and development space, we aim to be a hub in central London for innovative microscopy. Our bioImage analysis service, offers expert guidance and seasoned support in quantitative analysis and the development of image processing pipelines.
Facility staff
Microscopy Innovation Centre Manager
Microscopy Innovation Centre - Deputy Manager
Research Associate/ BioImage Analyst
Affiliated academics
Dean of Research Excellence Frameworks
Reader in Cell Biophysics
Professor in Optical Oncology
Professor
Royal Society University Research Fellow
Research Associate/ BioImage Analyst
UKRI Future Leaders Research Fellow
Having the scope to offer both cutting-edge ‘home-built’ microscopes, and innovative commercial systems, the MIC provides access to the latest in advanced microscopy techniques for the wider community. Our equipment is well supported by MIC staff, who perform ‘in-house’ maintenance and modifications, as well as user training and support.
Related equipment
Janelia Lattice Light Sheet Microscope
Capturing rapid 3D imaging of live cells with multiple channels and low phototoxicity
STELLARIS 8 FALCON FLIM
The STELLARIS 8 FALCON (FAst Lifetime CONtrast) is our easy-to-use microscope optimised for Fluorescence Lifetime IMaging (FLIM).
ABBELIGHT SAFe 360 (Arriving Autumn, 2024)
the Abbelight SAFe 360 is a system capable of widefield imaging, 2D and 3D Single Molecule Localisation Microscopy and Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence
Innovation Collection
We offer optomechanical parts for long and short term loans
We work with research leaders to secure funding and new equipment. This has included partnering with Prof. Simon Ameer-Beg to house the ‘discoSPIM’ (Prof. Maddy Parsons, Wellcome Leap, 2021), and with Dr. Susan Cox to build our Janelia Lattice Light sheet (BBSRC Alert, 2018).
We perform our own experiments, and develop tools with researchers and industrial partners. In 2021 we received funding from the Royal Microscopy Society’s to interact with industrial partners (Nano Clinical, Nikon) on two short projects to develop novel microscopy approaches.
Business Interaction Voucher | Royal Microscopy Society (RMS)
In 2022 the MIC received two vouchers from the RMS to enable artifact free high speed 3D localisation microscopy (Dr Susan Cox, Nikon), and to further develop Fluorescence Lifetime Resolved Single Molecule Localisation Microscopy (Prof Simon Ameer-Beg, Nano Clinical).
Contributions to peer-reviewed research articles | Microscope development and user excellence
The MIC supported the build and development for the following research:
Publications
Geraldine M. Jowett, Michael D. A. Norman, Tracy T. L. Yu, Patricia Rosell Arévalo, Dominique Hoogland, Suzette T. Lust, Emily Read, Eva Hamrud, Nick J. Walters, Umar Niazi, Matthew Wai Heng Chung, Daniele Marciano, Omer S. Omer, Tomasz Zabinski, Davide Danovi, Graham M. Lord, Jöns Hilborn, Nicholas D. Evans, Cécile A. Dreiss, Laurent Bozec, Oommen P. Oommen, Christian D. Lorenz, Ricardo M. P. da Silva, Joana F. Neves & Eileen Gentleman. (2021) ILC1 drive intestinal epithelial and matrix remodelling, Nat. Mat. 20, 250–259.
Karin Pfisterer, James A. Levitt, Campbell D. Lawson, Richard J. Marsh, John M. Heddleston, Eric Wait, Simon M. Ameer-Beg, Susan Cox, Maddy Parsons. (2020) FMNL2 regulates dynamics of fascin in filopodia. J. Cell Biol. 4 May 2020; 219 (5):e201906111.
James A. Levitt, Simon P. Poland, Nikola Krstajic, Karin Pfisterer, Ahmet Erdogan, Paul R. Barber, Maddy Parsons, Robert K. Henderson & Simon M. Ameer-Beg. (2020) Quantitative real-time imaging of intracellular FRET biosensor dynamics using rapid multi-beam confocal FLIM, Sci. Rep. 10, 5146.
What is BioImage Analysis?
BioImage analysis entails the application of computational techniques to extract quantitative information from images with biological relevance. Tasks include identifying specific objects, evaluating morphological features, and quantifying signals in defined regions of interest. The ultimate goal is to automate these operations into reproducible pipelines, facilitating precise and reliable measurements crucial for scientific advancements.
Areas of expertise:
- Quantitative image analysis
- FLIM interpretation
Connecting with the BioImage Analysis Service:
- Dr. Stefania Marcotti, BioImage Analysis Specialist invites researchers and microscopy facility users to explore the service. Initial consultations are free of charge.
- Training Opportunities: The team are organising training sessions to empower researchers with the skills needed for effective image analysis. Watch this space for more information and upcoming dates.
- Light Microscopy Core Facilities at King's: Visit the Nikon Imaging Centre (Dr. Dylan Herzog) and Microscopy Innovation Centre (Dr. Nicholas Anthony) for more information.
- Contact: Dr. Nicholas Anthony at nicholas.anthony@kcl.ac.uk or Dr. Stefania Marcotti at stefania.marcotti@kcl.ac.uk
The MIC offers access and support in the use of advanced microscopy techniques to the wider community. Staffed by experienced microscopists, we provide user training and support alongside microscopy development, maintenance, and modifications.
We welcome new collaborations from research, industry, or companies. By offering our expertise, as well as demonstration and development space, we aim to be a hub in central London for innovative microscopy. Our bioImage analysis service, offers expert guidance and seasoned support in quantitative analysis and the development of image processing pipelines.
Facility staff
Microscopy Innovation Centre Manager
Microscopy Innovation Centre - Deputy Manager
Research Associate/ BioImage Analyst
Affiliated academics
Dean of Research Excellence Frameworks
Reader in Cell Biophysics
Professor in Optical Oncology
Professor
Royal Society University Research Fellow
Research Associate/ BioImage Analyst
UKRI Future Leaders Research Fellow
Having the scope to offer both cutting-edge ‘home-built’ microscopes, and innovative commercial systems, the MIC provides access to the latest in advanced microscopy techniques for the wider community. Our equipment is well supported by MIC staff, who perform ‘in-house’ maintenance and modifications, as well as user training and support.
Related equipment
Janelia Lattice Light Sheet Microscope
Capturing rapid 3D imaging of live cells with multiple channels and low phototoxicity
STELLARIS 8 FALCON FLIM
The STELLARIS 8 FALCON (FAst Lifetime CONtrast) is our easy-to-use microscope optimised for Fluorescence Lifetime IMaging (FLIM).
ABBELIGHT SAFe 360 (Arriving Autumn, 2024)
the Abbelight SAFe 360 is a system capable of widefield imaging, 2D and 3D Single Molecule Localisation Microscopy and Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence
Innovation Collection
We offer optomechanical parts for long and short term loans
We work with research leaders to secure funding and new equipment. This has included partnering with Prof. Simon Ameer-Beg to house the ‘discoSPIM’ (Prof. Maddy Parsons, Wellcome Leap, 2021), and with Dr. Susan Cox to build our Janelia Lattice Light sheet (BBSRC Alert, 2018).
We perform our own experiments, and develop tools with researchers and industrial partners. In 2021 we received funding from the Royal Microscopy Society’s to interact with industrial partners (Nano Clinical, Nikon) on two short projects to develop novel microscopy approaches.
Business Interaction Voucher | Royal Microscopy Society (RMS)
In 2022 the MIC received two vouchers from the RMS to enable artifact free high speed 3D localisation microscopy (Dr Susan Cox, Nikon), and to further develop Fluorescence Lifetime Resolved Single Molecule Localisation Microscopy (Prof Simon Ameer-Beg, Nano Clinical).
Contributions to peer-reviewed research articles | Microscope development and user excellence
The MIC supported the build and development for the following research:
Publications
Geraldine M. Jowett, Michael D. A. Norman, Tracy T. L. Yu, Patricia Rosell Arévalo, Dominique Hoogland, Suzette T. Lust, Emily Read, Eva Hamrud, Nick J. Walters, Umar Niazi, Matthew Wai Heng Chung, Daniele Marciano, Omer S. Omer, Tomasz Zabinski, Davide Danovi, Graham M. Lord, Jöns Hilborn, Nicholas D. Evans, Cécile A. Dreiss, Laurent Bozec, Oommen P. Oommen, Christian D. Lorenz, Ricardo M. P. da Silva, Joana F. Neves & Eileen Gentleman. (2021) ILC1 drive intestinal epithelial and matrix remodelling, Nat. Mat. 20, 250–259.
Karin Pfisterer, James A. Levitt, Campbell D. Lawson, Richard J. Marsh, John M. Heddleston, Eric Wait, Simon M. Ameer-Beg, Susan Cox, Maddy Parsons. (2020) FMNL2 regulates dynamics of fascin in filopodia. J. Cell Biol. 4 May 2020; 219 (5):e201906111.
James A. Levitt, Simon P. Poland, Nikola Krstajic, Karin Pfisterer, Ahmet Erdogan, Paul R. Barber, Maddy Parsons, Robert K. Henderson & Simon M. Ameer-Beg. (2020) Quantitative real-time imaging of intracellular FRET biosensor dynamics using rapid multi-beam confocal FLIM, Sci. Rep. 10, 5146.
What is BioImage Analysis?
BioImage analysis entails the application of computational techniques to extract quantitative information from images with biological relevance. Tasks include identifying specific objects, evaluating morphological features, and quantifying signals in defined regions of interest. The ultimate goal is to automate these operations into reproducible pipelines, facilitating precise and reliable measurements crucial for scientific advancements.
Areas of expertise:
- Quantitative image analysis
- FLIM interpretation
Connecting with the BioImage Analysis Service:
- Dr. Stefania Marcotti, BioImage Analysis Specialist invites researchers and microscopy facility users to explore the service. Initial consultations are free of charge.
- Training Opportunities: The team are organising training sessions to empower researchers with the skills needed for effective image analysis. Watch this space for more information and upcoming dates.
- Light Microscopy Core Facilities at King's: Visit the Nikon Imaging Centre (Dr. Dylan Herzog) and Microscopy Innovation Centre (Dr. Nicholas Anthony) for more information.
- Contact: Dr. Nicholas Anthony at nicholas.anthony@kcl.ac.uk or Dr. Stefania Marcotti at stefania.marcotti@kcl.ac.uk
Partners
Nikon
Euro BioImaging
Nano Clinical
Contact us
3rd Floor, Hodgkin Building Guys Campus King’s College London London, SE1 1UL