Advanced Imaging Center, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, Virginia.
Africa Microscopy Initiative, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
J Microsc. 2024 Jun;294(3):386-396. doi: 10.1111/jmi.13176. Epub 2023 Mar 5.
Microscopy core facilities are increasingly utilised research resources, but they are generally only available to users within the host institution. Such localised access misses an opportunity to facilitate research across a broader user base. Here, we present the model of an open-access microscopy facility, using the Advanced Imaging Center (AIC) at Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus as an example. The AIC has pioneered a model whereby advanced microscopy technologies and expertise are made accessible to researchers on a global scale. We detail our experiences in addressing the considerable challenges associated with this model for those who may be interested in launching an open-access imaging facility. Importantly, we focus on how this model can empower researchers, particularly those from resource-constrained settings.
显微镜核心设施是越来越多被利用的研究资源，但它们通常只提供给机构内部的用户使用。这种本地化的访问错失了一个机会，无法在更广泛的用户基础上促进研究。在这里，我们以霍华德休斯医学研究所詹妮莉亚研究园区的先进成像中心（AIC）为例，介绍了一个开放获取显微镜设施的模型。AIC 开创了一种模式，即将先进的显微镜技术和专业知识提供给全球范围内的研究人员使用。我们详细介绍了我们在应对与这种开放获取成像设施模型相关的巨大挑战方面的经验，以供有兴趣建立开放获取成像设施的人参考。重要的是，我们重点介绍了这种模式如何赋予研究人员权力，特别是那些资源有限的研究人员。
