Our Services
We provide researchers with cutting-edge imaging technologies and expertise spanning scales from in vitro to in vivo and from millimetres to nanometres. Knowledge transfer is supported through training, workshops, and advanced method development.
Support is given at all stages of the project including consultation on the experimental design, sample optimization or preparation, training on proper use of microscopes and related instruments, image acquisition, post-acquisition image processing and analysis.
Access to microscopes
Open configuration options
Advanced hands-on training
Our tailored training combines practical instruction on imaging systems with an introduction to the underlying principles of optical or electron microscopy. Users learn system operation, image acquisition, data management, and best practices for generating high-quality, reproducible data. Training is adapted to the user's experience and the selected instrument.
Researchers interested in using the facility are encouraged to contact us. Following an initial consultation regarding scientific objectives and analytical needs, we help identify the most suitable equipment and workflow for the project.
Imaging as a full service
For researchers with limited imaging needs or limited access to instrumentation, CCI offers imaging and data analysis as a service. Our staff can perform experiments and analyses on your behalf, subject to resource availability. Service scope and costs are agreed on a project basis.
Access to expertise: Specimen preparation
Open configuration options
For light microscopy (LM), the user is the main responsible for the practical part of the sample preparation, but we offer advice and support if required, and especially on the sample optimization for super-resolution microscopy (including the fluorescent probe selection).
The electron microscopy (EM) staff provides advanced expertise and can assist in every step of sample preparation for a large variety of biological samples ranging from macromolecules, cells, model organisms to tissues. For short and one-off projects, we provide complete sample preparation service. For long-term projects we offer to train the users in specimen preparation and assist them in their use of sample preparation facility resources.
Full sample preparation service can be combined with imaging acquisitionand image analysis services. NOTE: Full service is subject to availability of our resources, and the pricing needs to be negotiated.
Image analysis and workstations
Open configuration options
We offer image processing and analysis support for light and electron microscopy data acquired both at the CCI and externally. In this regard we offer two service models:
Consultation and customized software development
Via the consultation model, we offer advice to our users on the best way to accomplish their image analysis needs, and offer access to commercial and open source image analysis software via our dedicated work stations.
Customized software development
When the image analysis tasks are particularly challenging or lie outside of the technical capabilities of the user, we offer customized software development as a full service. In this case, the user provides us with a microscopy data set, and we deliver the final analysis output together with the software tools created to accomplish these results.
Cell culture laboratory
The CCI Cell Culture Laboratory is a dedicated Type II facility available to our users. It is equipped with essential cell culture infrastructure, including biological safety cabinets, a CO₂ incubator, centrifuge, water bath, inverted microscope, and cold storage. The laboratory supports work with both established cell lines and primary cultures.
CCI staff maintain the facility, ensuring that equipment, supplies, waste management, and safety standards are continuously managed and monitored to provide a reliable working environment.
Prices for CCI service and equipment
Our goal is to help researchers achieve the best possible results from the facility. User fees are charged on an hourly basis and vary between instruments depending on operating and maintenance costs. Academic users benefit from subsidised rates, while industry users are charged full cost. Basic technical support is included in all user fees.