25-Jul-2023
The EMBL Imaging Centre (EMBL IC), is a world-class facility committed to offering open access to cutting-edge microscopy technologies and advanced data analysis services to scientists and researchers around the globe. Based in Heidelberg, Germany, the EMBL IC (part of Instruct-EMBL) is dedicated to helping researchers investigate complex biological processes by using the latest imaging technologies in electron and light microscopy.
By promoting open access, the EMBL IC supports researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds, making cutting-edge technology available to researchers regardless of their location or financial capacity. The benefits of an open-access policy and a tailored project support are evident in a recent Nature Communication article where the EMBL IC cryo-electron microscopy team, led by Dr. Simone Mattei, successfully determined the structure of the bacterial translating ribosome at 1.55 Å resolution. This breakthrough provides scientists with invaluable insight into protein synthesis and promotes a more precise structure-based drug design of antibiotics that may combat rising bacterial resistance.
Cryo-EM map of the bacterial translating ribosome at 1.55 Å. Fromm et al., Nat Commun 2023.
Kate O’Connor, co-author of the publication and user of the EMBL IC, said: “No prior knowledge is needed to access the facility service”. This statement is significant because not everyone who needs access to these facilities has expertise or experience in this area. The EMBL IC takes an inclusive approach to facilitate easy accessibility for researchers with no prior knowledge and technical expertise. The facility offers training courses, technical support, and access to equipment, allowing even novice researchers to learn and utilise microscopy equipment effectively. The EMBL IC's user-friendly policy is crucial in promoting researchers' ability to use state-of-the-art technology, enabling scientific research to advance unhindered by financial or infrastructural barriers.
In conclusion, open access to microscopy facilities with easy accessibility aimed at providing support and training to researchers with no prior knowledge is essential in bringing together a diverse range of researchers from across various scientific disciplines to use imaging technology and contribute to scientific breakthroughs.
Find out more about the Instruct-EMBL Heidelberg centre here.
