[EMBO Practical Course] Hack your microscope

Recent advances in open-source microscopy have made high-resolution, customizable imaging systems more accessible, allowing researchers to overcome the constraints of traditional commercial solutions. This EMBO Practical Course will equip participants with the skills to design scalable, sustainable, and versatile imaging tools, driving progress in life sciences. This EMBO Practical Course offers hands-on training in designing, prototyping, and optimizing modular, cost-effective microscopes tailored for bioimaging and microfluidics applications. Participants will integrate 3D prototyping, optics customization, and open-source hardware to create adaptable imaging systems, with team-based challenges focused on solving real research needs.

This EMBO Practical Course features a dynamic combination of interactive workshops, expert-led lectures, technical talks, open discussions, and practical challenges centered on key principles such as affordability, modularity, sustainability, and reproducibility. Participants will gain hands-on experience with open-source platforms like openFlexure, openUC2, openFrame, and Thorlabs building blocks, developing custom imaging solutions for microphysiological systems and cell science research. Emphasis will be placed on documenting and sharing designs to foster collaboration and ensure accessibility beyond the course.

Held at ITQB NOVA, this EMBO Practical Course aims to democratize advanced imaging technologies and empower a new generation of scientists to innovate and shape the future of open-source microscopy.