Nikon (JP) opens imaging center of expertise in Flanders

Nikon and VIB strongly believe that an open exchange between academia and industry is decisive for the rapid advancement of science and technology. On that note, the Center of Excellence will showcase the latest technology and offer advanced training to researchers and company representatives alike.

Patrik Verstreken, director of the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, is enthusiastic: “The partnership with Nikon is a great opportunity. It allows us to work with the best technology, which will only benefit our work.”

Currently, employees at the BioImaging Core are busy with the latest addition to the lab. One of the newest devices is an automated slide scanner that enables researchers to study certain diseases – such as Alzheimer’s disease – in an increasingly efficient and automated way.

Geert Van Minnebruggen, head of VIB Core Facilities: “Generally, such company and research institute partnerships are important in modern life sciences research. Through this interaction, we can demo instruments, perform beta testing and gain access to state-of-the-art technology.”

The opportunity to test new devices and to see what applications can benefit from them is a great advantage and directly fuels excellence science. Nikon, in turn, gains feedback from key users and access to an ideal environment where they can demo their devices, and where customers can provide feedback on samples. The company can also learn about other aspects of the imaging process, such as image storage and analysis.

“The key to success is to start with the best images possible, as this will determine the potential of the discovery. The partnership between the VIB and Nikon will attract researchers from near and far,” says Sebastian Munck, expert technologist at the VIB BioImaging Core.