Cambridge Advanced Imaging Centre
The
University of Cambridge recognises that microscope technologies will
be at the forefront of many advances in biomedical science in the coming
years. Through a detailed understanding of the workings of cells, new
insights can be gained into diseases, accelerating progress towards new
treatments. Within its strong infrastructure for research and entrepreneurial
innovation, the University has an outstanding record of achievement in
the exploitation of
novel scientific technologies to address biological questions.
Recent technological advances in the fields of optics, opto-electronics, signal processing and computation developed at Cambridge are creating opportunities to build new generations of imaging instruments that will enable biomedical challenges to be addressed in novel and sophisticated ways. Creation of the Cambridge Advanced Imaging Centre will draw on the University's widespread strengths in advanced imaging, bringing together its many imaging institutes, departments and external partners (including Cancer Research UK) to form a pioneering centre for the translation of the latest scientific imaging techniques and computer algorithms into innovative imaging solutions for the broader biomedical community. This will accelerate the University's ability to make progress in world-leading biomedical research, and involves:
- reconfiguring and expanding the existing Multi-Imaging Centre, to provide dedicated facilities where new technologies can be developed and put directly into service alongside existing state-of-the-art confocal and electron microscopes, with on-site computational support for data processing, storage and image analysis;
- establishing CAIC as a hub for cross-disciplinary collaborations between talented teams of physical scientists, biologists and computer scientists across the University and other leading imaging facilities worldwide, to develop and exploit the very latest capabilities in biological imaging. Such cross-pollination of expertise at the interface of different disciplines is a proven environment for innovation;
- offering computational support as a linked facility for other Cambridge laboratories using advanced imaging who do not have access to sophisticated systems of data processing, storage and image analysis, recognising that advanced imaging of cells generates vast quantities of data that is complex to process and analyse;
- cultivation of the next generation of scientists through training programmes in advanced imaging.
The University has made this unique project one of its highest strategic priorities for the continuing 800th Anniversary Campaign, and accordingly has committed significant funds of its own and is raising additional contributions. This support, together with the important donation that the University hopes to secure from the Wolfson Foundation, will enable this vital project to come to fruition.