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Updated: May 8, 2026
08:08
Major Components of the Light Microscope
Published on: July 30, 2008
Global survey of microscopy core facilities
Kirk J Czymmek1, Alexander Scott2, Jessica B Back3
1Advanced Bioimaging Laboratory, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.
Journal of Microscopy
|May 7, 2026
Summary
This global survey of microscopy cores reveals key differences in electron microscope proportions and staff-to-instrument ratios across regions. Anonymized data is available for further analysis, establishing a baseline for future microscopy trends.
Area of Science:
- Life Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microscopy and flow cytometry core facilities are crucial research infrastructures.
- Understanding their current operational status is essential for scientific advancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of microscopy core facilities globally.
- To identify similarities and differences in their operational metrics across continents.
- To establish a baseline for future longitudinal studies.
Main Methods:
- Conducted two international surveys on microscopy and flow cytometry core facilities.
- Collected data from 241 microscopy core facilities across the Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe/Africa.
- Analyzed instrument types, numbers, staffing, user fees, and funding.
Main Results:
- Identified both commonalities and significant regional variations in microscopy core operations.
- Observed a smaller staff-to-instrument ratio in Europe and Africa compared to other regions.
- Noted a higher proportion of electron microscopes in the Asia Pacific and World View regions.
Conclusions:
- The survey provides a valuable baseline for understanding the global state of microscopy cores.
- Regional disparities in resources and staffing ratios were highlighted.
- The raw, anonymized data is publicly available for further in-depth analysis and future research.
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