F-BIAS: Towards a distributed national core facility for bioimage analysis

Area of Science:

• Life Sciences
• Biotechnology
• Scientific Computing

Background:

• Bioimage analysis is crucial for modern biological research.
• Individual bioimage analysts often face professional isolation.
• A centralized support structure is needed to foster collaboration and skill development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the creation and organization of a distributed national core facility for bioimage analysis.
• To highlight strategies for engaging bioimage analysts and their host institutions.
• To present a model for a virtual, remotely-operating core facility.

Main Methods:

• Federating bioimage analysts across France into a distributed network (F-BIAS).
• Establishing a professional network to combat isolation and enhance skills.
• Developing a virtual core facility offering consultations and collaborative projects.

Main Results:

• F-BIAS successfully created a professional network, mitigating analyst isolation.
• The facility provides valuable bioimage analysis services to researchers nationwide.
• Services are structured to continuously improve analysts' technical proficiency.

Conclusions:

• A distributed national core facility model can effectively support bioimage analysts.
• Such a structure enhances scientific value and encourages participation.
• The F-BIAS model offers a blueprint for establishing similar bioimage analysis services.