Swaminathan’s research group studies the early stages of cancer development using advanced 3D tissue models that mimic the tumour microenvironment in the laboratory. These models make it possible to follow how cancer emerges and progresses, opening new opportunities to understand disease mechanisms, identify novel therapeutic targets and test new treatments.
“We are honoured and extremely grateful to receive this generous grant from the IngaBritt and Arne Lundberg Research Foundation to support our research at Lund University. With this support, we’ll be able to image cells live, deep inside 3D tissues — allowing us to observe how healthy breast tissue transforms into cancer, and how these changes are driven by the tumour microenvironment,” says Vinay Swaminathan.
The grant will fund the acquisition of a state-of-the-art live-cell imaging system, which will enable researchers to observe living cells in real time and at high resolution, even deep within complex tissue structures. This cutting-edge capability will not only accelerate discoveries in cancer biology but also advance research in brain diseases, immunology, stem cell therapy, and regenerative medicine.
The new imaging system will be made available as a shared resource for researchers across Lund University through LBIC, ensuring broad scientific impact.
Strengthening bioimaging infrastructure at Lund University
LBIC – Lund University Bioimaging Centre is a research infrastructure at the Faculty of Medicine consisting of six platforms that together cover most modern imaging techniques, from molecule to man.
The microscopy platform provides access to advanced microscopy, data analysis, and visualization tools, as well as expert support throughout all phases of a project, from experimental planning and sample preparation to image acquisition and analysis.
Bioimaging is a rapidly evolving field, and LBIC plays a crucial role in ensuring that researchers at Lund University have access to state-of-the-art equipment and expertise.
“Access to the best imaging tools is a key prerequisite for delivering world-class research. This generous support from the IngaBritt and Arne Lundberg Research Foundation enables us to remain at the forefront of bioimaging innovation and continue supporting Lund University’s broad research community,” says Prof Gunilla Westergren Thosson, director at LBIC.
This new investment further strengthens LBIC’s mission to support world-class research through cutting-edge technology and collaborative access.
About the IngaBritt and Arne Lundberg Research Foundation
Established in 1982, the IngaBritt and Arne Lundberg Research Foundation supports medical research in cancer, kidney disease, and orthopaedics, with a strong focus on funding cutting-edge equipment that enables scientific breakthroughs across Sweden.
Visit the website of IngaBritt and Arne Lundberg Research Foundation to read more about the foundation and this year’s awarded projects.
“We are deeply thankful to the Foundation for investing in technology that drives real discovery. This support empowers us to explore biology at an unprecedented level of detail — and to bring new insights into how cancer begins, grows, and spreads”, says Swaminathan.
Read more
- Lund University Bioimaging Centre
- Faculty of Medicine Lund University, News article “From healthy to sick in 3D”
- IngaBritt och Arne Lundbergs Forskningsstiftelse
