Co-operation Expanded: Max Planck-Institute of Medical Research, Heidelberg, and Leica Microsystems Heidelberg GmbH

Long-standig co-operation is to be intensified

The long-standing co-operation between Leica Microsystems Heidelberg GmbH and the Max Planck-Institute of Medical Research in Heidelberg is to be intensified.

A newly established partnership is with the Department of Biomedical Optics, headed by Dr. Winfried Denk. The department's goal is the development and application of new optical methods for biomedical research. Biological function occurs often in a complex tissue environment and ultimately has to be studied in that context. Optical microscopy is virtually the only means by which living tissue can be studied with high spatial resolution. This has recently led to a return of light microscopy to the frontlines of biological research.

Among those are the development of efficient non-toxic fluorophores together with highly sensitive means of fluorescence detection, optical sectioning microscopy, photochemical activation (uncaging) of signal substances, and the discovery and subsequent optimization of genetically encodable fluorophores (GFP and its variants). Besides various other instruments, the department is currently equipped with two Leica Confocal Microscope Systems and provides imaging services for the entire institute.

The scope of the cooperation is focused on holding common training courses and workshops, as well as on various aspects of innovation for future instrumentation.