The Advanced Light Microscopy Facility (ALMF) offers a collection of state-of-the-art light microscopy equipment and image processing tools.

The facility was set up as a cooperation between EMBL and industry to improve communication between users and producers of high-end microscopy technology. The ALMF supports in-house scientists and visitors in using light microscopy methods for their research. The ALMF also regularly organises in-house and international courses to teach basic and advanced light microscopy methods.

Major projects and accomplishments

The ALMF currently manages 20 advanced microscope systems and 10 high-content microscopes from leading industrial companies.
Several workstations for image analysis are provided.
More than 50 visitors per year come to carry out their own experiments in the ALMF or to evaluate microscopy equipment.
The ALMF was the seed for the European Light Microscopy Initiative (ELMI) that establishes links between core facilities, users and industry throughout Europe.
A number of Proof-of-Concept studies have been hosted in the framework of Eurobioimaging.
5 genome wide screens were supported by the ALMF.
Usage of the facility has exceeded 50,000 hours per year.
Services provided

Project planning, sample preparation, microscope selection and use, image processing and visualization.
Support of advanced microscopy techniques e.g. FRAP, FRET, FCS, laser nanosurgery and super-resolution.
Developing accessory software and microscopy equipment, co-developments with industrial partners, pre-evaluation of commercial equipment.
Supporting all aspects of automated microscopy and high-throughput microscopy projects, including RNAi technology.
Image and data analysis for light microscopy