Expertise & Technology
Experimental design
Don't hesitate to pass by before you even started your project. Our door is always open to discuss the pro's and con's of different strategies to get to the results you are interested in. Since you know your sample best and we know our machines in and out, we can combine forces to make sure you get the results you envisioned!
Sample preparation
Get your sample in best shape for imaging with the advice of our microscopy specialists. You will be amazed about the difference in image quality a few optimizations can give you. Your images will not only look nicer, they will be much easier to analyze! We can help you with different approaches for sample preparation ranging from live imaging to clearing.
Training
After a joint test/training session we provide you with all the tools to use our equipment yourself, no matter if it's a simple widefield setup or a high-end super-resolution system. We organize hands-on trainings on an individual basis, combined with a monthly seminar "Refreshing the basics in light microscopy" so you are fully equipped to use our systems independently. Extra training opportunities are available within the center (or organized on demand) but also abroad. Don't hesitate to ask us for the options.
Image acquisition: Light & Electron Microscopy
BIC Leuven hosts a variety of microscopes for imaging samples ranging from the meso to the Ångström scale. It is our mission to provide access to know-how and measurement time on state-of-the-art microscopes. We have ample solutions available like confocal microscopes, super-resolution systems, slide scanning, high content screening, 3D whole organ imaging and electron microscopy including CLEM, SEM, TEM, 2D and 3D, RT and cryo.
Quality control
Al our high end systems have a maintenance contract which guarantees a yearly checkup by the provider. On top of that they also receive a monthly quality control performed by the BIC staff in order to follow it's overall performance and spot issues early on. Also you, as a user, are important in this process. The faster an issue is reported, the sooner we can act and resolve it.
Image postprocessing & analysis
We take pride in our support for image analysis both with infrastructure and expertise. A number of analysis pc's is (remote) available to support demanding image analysis workflows and provide a variety of open-source and licensed software. Upon consultation we help you finding the right approach and tools for analyzing your images. A team of experts is available for both training and individual assistance.
| PC | IT name | Software | RAM | GPU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Memphis | GBW-D-W9998 | NIS, ZEN blue (full license), Fiji, OMETIFF converter | 32GB | NVIDIA Quadro P2000 |
| 2. Mexico City | GBW-D-W1352 | Imaris, Matlab, ZEN blue (full license) | 64GB | NVIDIA Quadro K4200 |
| 3. Pompei | GBW-D-W2337 | Harmony | 64GB | Radeon Pro™ WX2100 |
| 4. New York | GBW-D-W9975 | Harmony | 32GB | NVIDIA Quadro K4000 |
| 5. Berlin | GBW-D-W8016 | Imaris (Neuro-package), NIS, ZEN black (full license) | 192GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti |
| 6. Tokyo | GBW-D-W2843 | NIS, Arivis | 256GB | NVIDIA Quadro RTX 8000 |
| 7. Paris | GBW-D-W2979 | NIS, Ilastik | 256GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 |
| 8. London | GBW-D-W9871 | Neurolucida, Matlab, ZEN blue | 128GB | NVIDIA Quadro P6000 |
| 9. Brussels | GBW-D-W8014 | ZEN blue, ZEN black, Arivis | 192GB | NVIDIA RTX A5000 |