Nikon Centre of Excellence at the Institute of Molecular Genetics

On January 21, 2004, the Nikon Company in the cooperation with the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the ASCR began operating a new Nikon Centre of Excellence (NCE) in Super Resolution Microscopy at the institute. Super Resolution Microscopy is a revolutionary microscopic method the smaller details especially in the cell biology can be observed, which was impossible with conventional methods. As Prof. Václav Hořejší, IMG director, opened the Nikon Centre of Excellence, he said, “The purpose of the centre is to combine the technical expertise of the world leading imaging manufacturer with the scientific expertise of researchers at the Institute of Molecular Genetics. I believe we will together contribute to new developments in biomedical sciences.” The Centre is a part of the European Network of Nikon Centres of Excellence. Only five these centres exist in Europe – IMG Prague; ICFO Barcelona; Koki Budapest; UvA Amsterdam and one in Stockholm). NCE as a partner in this network exchanges knowledge with institutes that focus on a specific area of research. The partnership allows researchers access to high-end advanced imaging equipment and Nikon technical expertise but it also gives Nikon invaluable feedback and input from scientists carrying out cutting edge research. In this way it gains insight into new applications for creating the perfect imaging solution.