Established in 2019 as a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC), Euro-BioImaging connects a network of imaging facilities, known as “nodes,” located in multiple countries. Through this coordinated system, scientists can use advanced equipment and services that may not be available at their home institutions.
Access to Technology & Expertise
The infrastructure supports a wide range of imaging modalities, including high-resolution microscopy, medical imaging and whole-organism visualization. Beyond access to equipment, researchers benefit from expert guidance in experimental design, data acquisition and image analysis, areas that are increasingly complex as imaging technologies evolve.
A central goal of Euro-BioImaging is to promote open and collaborative science. By lowering barriers to high-end infrastructure, the initiative enables researchers from diverse backgrounds and institutions to pursue cutting-edge projects. This approach is expected to accelerate discoveries in fields such as biomedical research, drug development and biotechnology.
The organization operates through a central hub that coordinates activities and ensures standardization across its network. Meanwhile, individual nodes provide hands-on services and training, creating a balance between centralized strategy and local expertise.
Training, Mobility & Capacity Building
A clear example of Euro-BioImaging’s focus on staff development is the EVOLVE Job Shadowing Programme. This initiative provides a unique opportunity for staff at Euro-BioImaging nodes to visit another node and gain valuable hands-on insights, training, and experience. The aim is to broaden technical expertise, identify new collaboration opportunities with colleagues, and explore new imaging environments.
Funding can be applied for to support professional development and strengthen exchange between nodes. EVOLVE thus contributes to strengthening European biomedical research by developing both infrastructures and their staff. Lund University Bioimaging Centre (LBIC) personnel are currently preparing applications to participate in the programme, with visits to other sites planned for 2027.
Sweden’s Contribution: SciLifeLab & Lund University Bioimaging Centre
In Sweden, participation in Euro-BioImaging is coordinated through national infrastructures, including SciLifeLab, which integrates multiple advanced imaging facilities across the country. Within this framework, LBIC plays a key role.
While not a standalone Euro-BioImaging node, LBIC contributes its expertise, technologies and services to Sweden’s participation in the European network. This means that LBIC’s platforms and specialist support are accessible not only to researchers at Lund University, but also to scientists from across Europe through Euro-BioImaging’s transnational access programs.
LBIC brings a comprehensive set of technologies across scales. The electron microscopy and light microscopy facility enables researchers to study complex biological processes at the micro and nano scale. The Preclinical Nuclear Medicine and MRI facilities, including PET/CT, SPECT/CT, μCT and 9.4T preclinical MR provide valuable tools for preclinical imaging of disease models and offers high-resolution imaging of small rodent models. The 7T human MR national facility enables advanced imaging of human physiology.
In addition to providing advanced imaging technologies, LBIC plays an active role in shaping Euro-BioImaging activities through participation and leadership in Expert Groups. This includes addressing logistical challenges in preclinical imaging and contributing to discussions on regulatory and ethical aspects of human imaging.
People Behind the Infrastructure
The strength of Euro-BioImaging also lies in its specialists, who provide critical expertise across the network. For example, the work of in vivo imaging experts at LBIC highlights how local knowledge feeds into the broader European infrastructure. One such example is profiled in this article:
These kinds of roles are essential for supporting users, advancing methodologies and ensuring high-quality data generation across facilities. This and similar Node Interviews highlight how individual researchers within the infrastructure play a central role in advancing imaging science and supporting users across Europe.
Staff Engagement and Knowledge Exchange Across the Network
Euro-BioImaging offers several easily accessible working groups, known as Expert Groups, which are relevant for staff working with and within research infrastructures. Examples include groups focused on Human Imaging, FAIR image data flows, data management and analysis, preclinical imaging, and a communication group that discusses strategies and experiences for promoting infrastructures to potential users.
LBIC leads a working group addressing logistical challenges related to animal experiments and disease models, where animals and imaging equipment are not always co-located. This creates complications for conducting in vivo imaging projects.
In addition, staff from the national 7T MRI unit are actively engaged in discussions on specific challenges related to human imaging, such as ethical approvals, personal data handling, and the EU Medical Device Regulation. Experiences from different Euro-BioImaging nodes are currently being compiled and discussed, an effort that will result in two white papers: one for preclinical imaging and one for human imaging.
Driving the Future of Life Science Research
As scientific research becomes more data-intensive and technologically demanding, initiatives like Euro-BioImaging are playing a critical role in shaping Europe’s research landscape. By pooling resources and fostering cross-border collaboration, the infrastructure is helping position Europe at the forefront of imaging science.
Researchers interested in accessing Euro-BioImaging services can apply through its centralized access system, opening the door to tools and expertise that are redefining modern life science research.
Every Friday, Euro-BioImaging hosts a Virtual Pub, a seminar series featuring scientific presentations. While many focus on microscopy-based research, several sessions cover in vivo imaging techniques and broader topics such as artificial intelligence in bioimaging. These seminars are relevant not only to infrastructure staff but also to researchers across the medical faculty. More than 100 recorded presentations are available online, including contributions from LBIC.
Read More
• Lund University Bioimaging Centre (LBIC)
• Euro-BioImaging website