Chan Zuckerberg Initiative awards Global BioImaging over $1.3 M in funding

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has announced over USD $1.3 million in funding to support Global BioImaging (GBI), an international network of bioimaging facilities and communities.

GBI facilitates the solving of scientific, technical and data challenges by bringing together microscopists, imaging staff and policymakers from around the globe to exchange knowledge and experience. This accelerates the development of imaging technologies and methods along with removing barriers to access to equipment and expertise.

Microscopy Australia is a founding member of GBI and in 2018, working with the National Imaging Facility, hosted an exchange of experience which saw over 70 delegates from 19 different countries come together to tackle problems facing the international imaging and microscopy communities. Along with this, we hosted operations and data management courses. As part of the GBI Staff Shadowing Program, a number of our staff have benefited from placements in international laboratories and we have also hosted staff from around the world.

“Imaging of molecules, cells, and tissues is integral to understanding disease, and core imaging facilities that use the latest microscopy tools to further the research of hundreds of biomedical scientists are fundamental to progress,” said CZI Head of Science, Cori Bargmann. “By bolstering the development of Global BioImaging’s central hub and investing in training and data exchange between imaging centres and communities, we hope to increase global collaboration and accelerate potentially life-saving scientific breakthroughs.”

The three-year grant will support Global BioImaging’s core activities, allowing the organisation to develop a self-sustaining administrative framework. CZI funding will also allow Global BioImaging to expand its worldwide network; intensify training, job shadowing, and outreach efforts; and strengthen links to the biomedical imaging community. In addition, funds will support nations to strengthen the scientific foundations of microscopy and imaging in their own countries.

“Discussions with imaging scientists have confirmed a strong need for training material and courses for staff that work at imaging centres, information on best practices for data handling, and increased opportunities for collaboration,” said CZI Imaging Program Lead, Stephani Otte. “We are excited to help meet these needs and spur scientific discovery in this critical area of biomedicine.”