The brand-new France-BioImaging Alsace Node hosted its first Annual Meeting, bringing together all France-BioImaging members in the historical city of Strasbourg. The event provided an excellent opportunity to discuss the future of the infrastructure, share the latest updates, and focus on this year’s theme: “Live Functional Imaging: From Chemical Synthesis of Probes to Instrumentation.”

Day 1: Welcome to Strasbourg!

The members of the Alsace Node warmly welcomed participants to their platforms in Strasbourg and Illkirch. The morning was dedicated to exchanging ideas around microscopy facilities and techniques.

The day continued at the stunning Bibliothèque Nationale et Universitaire (BNU) in the heart of Strasbourg. The auditorium hosted presentations from the Alsace Node and the two other new FBI nodes: Normandie and Rhône-Alpes. Participants also learned about the latest opportunities provided by Euro-BioImaging and the initiatives developed by the German BioImaging Society, GerBI, presented by Roland Nitschke.

A highlight of the day was the presentation of seven Tech Transfer projects laureates of 2023 and 2024 FBI Tech Transfer calls, showcasing successful examples of technological transfert from FBI R&D teams to FBI facilities.

Also, an update on FBI BioImage Informatics Node was provided by Charles Kervrann. Dorian Kauffmann presented the FBI Challenges 2024 and 2025, and the winner of the Light my cells 2024 Imaging Challenge: Bright Field to Fluorescence was invited to present her solution.

The day concluded on a high note with an Alsace wine tasting and a guided tour of Strasbourg’s charming old town!

Day 2: Scientific sessions

The second day delved deeper into the scientific theme of the meeting: “Live Functional Imaging: From Chemical Synthesis of Probes to Instrumentation.” Participants were treated to a series of insightful presentations by France-BioImaging members. These talks explored the development of new probes, how to optimize their optical properties and the creation of advanced instruments leveraging these innovations for life sciences. The expertise and richness of France-BioImaging’s nodes expertise were on full display.

Two distinguished keynote speakers enriched the sessions with their insights:

  • Ulrike Endesfelder (Bonn University, Institute for Microbiology and Biotechnology, Germany)
  • Olivier Maury (ENS Lyon, Laboratoire de Chimie, France)

The meeting concluded with a roundtable discussion on the challenges and opportunities of chemistry and bioimaging communities working together, providing a collaborative space for sharing perspectives and solutions.

These two days were a fantastic opportunity to connect, share achievements, and discuss future developments in bioimaging. See you next year in Normandie!

The NeurImag cellular and molecular imaging Facility, member of the Paris Centre Node of France-BioImaging, has initiated the development of a new tool called ExoJ, in collaboration with the teams of Guillaume Van Niel (CRCI2NA, Nantes University), Frederik Verweij (Utrecht University), Thierry Galli (IPNP, Inserm, Université Paris Cité) and Junjun Liu (Shandong First Medical University).

What is ExoJ?

ExoJ is a plugin developed for the Fiji/ImageJ2 software, specifically designed to automate the reliable detection and analysis of exocytosis events from fluorescence microscopy images. Exocytosis is a cellular process where molecules or substances contained within a cell are released to the extracellular environment. This process involves the fusion of a vesicle, a membrane-bound sac, with the cell membrane. Once fused, the contents of the vesicle are expelled into the extracellular space.

How does ExoJ work?

ExoJ automatically identifies user-defined exocytosis events. It extracts key quantitative information such as the intensity, apparent size and duration of each event. ExoJ is fully parameterizable and configurable, making it suitable for studying different types of exocytosis, whatever the imaging modality (TIRF [1] and/or spinning disk [2]). ExoJ is a robust and reliable tool for analyzing large datasets!

What are the benefits of ExoJ?

ExoJ automates the detection of exocytosis events, considerably reducing analysis time compared with manual annotation. Moreover, the results obtained are reproducible, facilitating comparisons between different experiments. Finally, ExoJ is based on Fiji/ImageJ2, an open-source software widely used in the scientific community.

To read the article, click here.

[1] Cois et al., 2024 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39145986/

[2] Hessvik et al., 2023 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37285022/

France-BioImaging members Fabrice Cordelières, Perrine Paul-Gilloteaux and Caroline Thiriet attended ANERIS first Annual Meeting in Seville on November 26-27. During two days, the project’s partners shared updates on the progress of various tasks and activities within the consortium. The event showcased significant progress, fostered collaboration, and charted the way forward in advancing marine biodiversity monitoring technologies.

Day 1 began with a project overview from the project’s coordinator, highlighting key achievements and the project’s aim to tackle the rapid loss of ocean biodiversity by developing innovative tools and technology for monitoring, research and management of marine life.

Partners also presented updates on the 11 monitoring and life-sensing technologies and Perrine provided an in-depth overview on the latest developments in the AIES-MAC tool developed under the ANERIS project, which focuses on detecting and characterizing macro-organisms in underwater images. She highlighted the tool’s key features, improvements made since its initial development, and its ability to enhance the analysis of marine life captured in complex underwater environments.

The afternoon featured co-design sessions where teams defined Operational Marine Biology (OMB) products for the project’s four case studies and also worked on refining the draft infographics, combining input from across the consortium.

On Day 2, discussions shifted to cross-cutting topics such as infrastructure, training, communication, and exploitation. Ayoub El Ghadraoui, Euro-BioImaging Bio-Hub team member and ANERIS project task leader, presented a detailed overview of the training activities held in the frame of ANERIS WP3 Task 3.7, where FBI is involved. A first series of online workshops were held in 2023 with a focus on introducing the fundamentals of AI in image processing and the 2024 workshops focused on Underwater Imaging, Bio-optic, and Participatory Technologies. During the meeting, Ayoub also informed the partners that the ANERIS Workshop 2 was endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade, attesting to the relevance of this workshop for marine sciences.

The day concluded with work table sessions, where critical challenges were addressed, and consortium-wide priorities were established.

From February 6 to 7, 2025, the University of Rouen Normandie will host the 8th edition of the France Cerebellum Club Days. This year’s event will include a session dedicated to cerebellum bioimaging, highlighted by the Primacen imaging platform, a member of the Normandie Node of France-BioImaging.

The France Cerebellum Club is an organization aimed at promoting exchanges between scientists involved in the study of the cerebellum in all its modalities, using a variety of analysis methods.

This new edition will bring together researchers and industrials to discuss the latest advances in the study of the cerebellum. On the program: plenary lectures, thematic sessions and workshops highlighting recent work on the development, functions and pathologies associated with this cerebral region. This year’s topics include the development and evolution of the cerebellum, innovations in applied bioimaging, organoid models and studies of connections between the cerebellum and other brain regions.

Two keynotes will surround these scientific days. Mari Sepp (Heidelberg, Germany) will present her work on the development and evolution of the cerebellum using single-cell genomics, while Christian Hansel (Chicago, USA) will discuss cerebellar instructive signals and their role in neocortical plasticity.

For more information and registration details, click here.

Le 3 décembre dernier, le Nœud Paris-Centre, membre de l’infrastructure France-BioImaging a organisé une journée intitulée placée sous le signe de la valorisation scientifique et du transfert de technologie. Accessible en mode hybride, elle a réuni une dizaine d’intervenants et une quarantaine d’auditeurs.

L’objectif de cette journée était de rendre accessible la valorisation de l’activité de recherche au plus grand nombre de chercheurs, étudiants, et acteurs du transfert technologique. À cette fin, les participants ont pu bénéficié d’une série de témoignages de chercheurs, de directeurs de startups (ABBELIGHT AVATAR MEDICAL, TWINCKLE FACTORY, INSCOPER) de responsables d’entreprises, et d’acteurs des services de valorisation qui ont converti un résultat scientifique dans le domaine de l’imagerie biologique en un produit ou un service commercialisé.

Ces témoignages ont permis aux intervenants de faire part de leur motivation et leur parcours de transfert technologique avec ses difficultés et ses satisfactions. Les directeurs de startups et responsables d’entreprises ont également présenté aux participants les temps clés de la valorisation d’une découverte scientifique, tels que les échanges entre industriels-chercheurs et la mise en place de la valorisation économique du travail scientifique initial.

Pour clore cette journée, une la table ronde finale a permis aux acteurs des services de valorisation de décrire la fonction, les moyens, ainsi que les modalités d’interaction avec les chercheurs et d’accompagnement du transfert technologique.

Restez connectés, les certaines sessions seront bientôt disponibles en replay!

Last days to apply to the last canSERV Open Call, a unique opportunity designed specifically for early career cancer researchers worldwide. This initiative aims to provide these researchers with access to cutting-edge services and training, helping them advance their groundbreaking work in cancer research.

Who can apply?

This call is open to:

  • First-stage researchers: PhD students and junior researchers without a PhD.
  • Recognised researchers: Postdoctoral fellows, assistant professors or young investigators.

What’s on offer?

Selected applicants will gain free access to imaging services and expertise provided by 28 Euro-BioImaging Nodes, as well as state-of-the-art image data analysis resources. This support empowers researchers to elevate their projects through innovative technologies and expert guidance.

Research focus areas

Your project should address one or more of the following:

  1. Cancer research topics, spanning discovery science, translational research, personalised oncology or clinical studies.
  2. At least one of the four strategic goals of the EU Cancer Mission:
    • Understanding cancer,
    • Prevention and early detection,
    • Diagnosis and treatment,
    • Quality of life for patients and their families.

Deadline?

17, December 2024, 14:00 CET

How to apply?

Find all the informations here: https://www.eurobioimaging.eu/news/canserv-open-call-for-early-career-researchers/

The 11th French Society of Angiogenesis meeting that will be held the 4-6 June 2025.

This meeting will take place in Autrans (Vercors), in the mountains close to Grenoble.

The program delves into emerging fields in vascular biology, including blood vessel heterogeneity, their formation, stability, and dysfunctions in diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions. It highlights recent advances in tools and models for rapid clinical applications.

The program will be supported by international experts, including two keynote speakers, Prof. Shahin Rafii of Cornell University, USA, and Prof. Martin Schwartz of Yale University, USA as well as renowned European guest speakers.

The conference will take place in the natural setting of the Vercors, fostering interaction through nature-based activities.

Please visit the website for more information and registration.

France BioImaging is pleased to support an upcoming training session organized by the Rhône-Alpes FBI node and the University of Lyon1. This hybrid training program offers participants the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in statistic techniques and methodologies for image analysis.

Training Details:

  • Virtual Session: Tuesday, January 14, 2025 (3 hours)
  • In-Person Sessions: January 27-29, 2025
  • Participants: Limited to 20 trainees
  • Fee: No additional cost for academic participants

Further details can be found in the attached document.

Interested in joining?

Please register promptly by contacting Rose-Noëlle Villa-Guennelon at rose-noelle.villa-guennelon@univ-lyon1.fr. This program is open to academic trainees from any institution.

On September 6, the Cellular Imaging Master, created in 2004 by Delphine Burel and Ludovic Galas at the University of Rouen Normandie, celebrated its 20th anniversary in partnership with the IBiSA PRIMACEN imaging facility.

Over 50 alumni attended the event, along with the Master’s coordinators and several teaching staff members. The day began with a review of the program’s 20 years and a presentation on international collaborations with the Universities of Turku and Abo Academy in Finland, followed by a vote for the new Master’s logo!

In the afternoon, participants enjoyed fun activities such as karting, bowling, and karaoke at Espace Loisirs Rouen, fostering a convivial atmosphere among students and teachers. Everyone agreed to meet again in five years for future celebrations.

This successful anniversary was made possible thanks to the efforts of the M2 IMAC 2024 class and the support of their sponsors!

Find out more about the IMAC Master’s program here.

From November 4 to 7, the Broca Center (Neurocampus Bordeaux) hosted the fourth edition of the advanced microscopy training organized by France-BioImaging Work Group on « Multiscale Light-Sheet Microscopy ».

FBI-AT 2024 brought together experts, engineers, researchers, and industry professionals to present the main applications of light-sheet microscopy to neuroscience and 3D cell culture. Participants also had the opportunity to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice through workshops at various sites and facilities of the Bordeaux node (IINS, BIC, VoxCell).

During these four days of intensive training, four major themes were addressed to cover the wide range of applications in neuroscience and 3D cell culture:

  • Large Sample Imaging – Clearing & Expansion
  • 3D Cellular Models Culture & Imaging
  • Neuronal Network Imaging
  • Image Analysis

“The theoretical knowledge covered during the conferences was perfectly useful in the workshops, and I would even say the workshops allowed us to go even further!”

Aurelien Debonne, PRIMACEN platform

“This congress was very thorough, with presentations in the morning and workshops in the afternoon. The selected speakers covered the entire scope of microscopy with biological samples: the approach, sample preparation, and even microscope selection!”

Nadege Le Roy, TreeFrog Therapeutics


Finally, participants enjoyed convivial moments to share their experiences and discover new technologies offered by the industry professionals present during these days.

As for the next edition, see you in 2026!

France-BioImaging recently participated in two major events dedicated to innovation and industrial collaboration: RDV Carnot and the Cosmetic 360 trade show. These gatherings highlighted the many applications of microscopy in addressing the specific needs of various industries, from pharmaceutical research to the cosmetics sector.

RDV Carnot: opportunities for applied innovation

For France-BioImaging, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with companies from various sectors (pharmaceutical, food, textile) with advanced imaging needs.

Through direct exchanges, France-BioImaging members were able to better understand industry expectations in sample characterization and analysis, from immunology to textile fiber studies.

This event thus allows France-BioImaging to showcase its advanced microscopy technologies to companies seeking high-potential solutions for applied research.

Cosmetic 360: cosmetic innovation through the lens of microscopy

The Cosmetic 360 trade show is a key event for the cosmetics industry, bringing together companies from across the value chain: large groups, SMEs, start-ups, raw material suppliers, laboratories, and more.

In this sector, microscopy plays a vital role in analyzing natural ingredients, assessing cosmetic product efficacy, and ensuring formulation quality.

Beyond its scientific value, microscopy provides a marketing advantage with the high-quality images it produces, enabling brands to communicate transparently and attractively about product efficacy.

These two events underscored the strategic role of microscopy in addressing the challenges of innovation across various industries. Whether for applied research needs or marketing value, France-BioImaging continues to develop and provide cutting-edge technologies to support companies in their R&D projects.

As the infrastructure evolves, the ongoing identification of industrial needs and emerging sectors will enhance the impact of France-BioImaging’s imaging technologies, fostering collaborations that align with the goals of diverse industries. If you have already identified some needs and potential collaborations, please contact us.

Global BioImaging organizes annual international workshops called Exchange of Experience (EoE), which represent key moments for the international imaging community to come together and discuss common goals, trends and challenges in running open access imaging facilities across the globe.

This year’s host has been our Japanese colleagues from ABis (Advanced Bioimaging Support). We took the opportunity to take part in their annual meeting, one day ahead of the GBI EoE. The program highlighted groundbreaking research, including studies on genome structure in single human cells (Jan Elleberg) and new methods for analyzing multi-cellular dynamics (Tomomi Nemoto). Other high-interest topics included big data acquisition (Hideharu Mikami), expansion microscopy (Xiaoyu Shi) and cognitive biases in neuroimaging (Makiko Yamada).

This 9th edition brought together the global imaging community in Okazaki to discuss shared goals, trends and challenges in managing open-access imaging facilities worldwide. The focus of this edition, “Image Data Horizons – Global Strategies for Accessible Knowledge”, encouraged a rich exchange on practical approaches to data sharing, management, and accessibility.

France-BioImaging’s Data mission co-officer, Perrine Paul-Gilloteaux, presented the FBI.Data project, showcasing France-BioImaging’s leadership data management – recognized as a model approach within the international community.

We also attended the first FoundingGIDE meeting, where we delved more deeply into the steps that image data scientists, supported by funders, decision-makers, and corporate partners, can take to advance towards a Global Image Data Ecosystem (GIDE).

As always, it was a pleasure to meet all the colleagues from the international bioimaging community!