University of Sheffield Centre for BioImaging (360G-Wellcome-077544_Z_05_Z)

We aim to establish a high-resolution light microscopy facility to enable researchers in the Departments of Biomedical Science (BMS) and Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (MBB) (both rated as 5* in the last RAE) at the University of Sheffield, to carry out direct visualisation of biological molecules, and their interactions, in their natural cellular, tissue or organismal environment. The principal applicants already have funding in place to pursue fundamental biological questions that require such sophisticated imaging but it is envisaged that this will be a multiuser facility available to many other scientists in BMS and MBB, which will be run on an equitable basis. Bringing the apparatus under one roof with a dedicated postdoctoral worker in place to manage the facility will greatly enhance productivity, facilitate the development and implementation of state-of-the-art technologies in light microscopy and provide access to such technologies to less experienced users. The bid includes requests for multi-photon, confocal and DeltaVision microscopes and the facility will also include a TIRF microscope (already purchased by BMS). This combination of microscopes will provide the necessary flexibility so that each user can visualise samples under optimum conditions. Given the rapid technological developments in this area, this facility will also promote the dissemination of information and ideas.