27 July 2025, Wetzlar, Germany – Leica Microsystems, a Danaher company and a global leader in microscopy and scientific instrumentation, has been named one of the winners in the prestigious 2025 Microscopy Today Innovation Awards. Presented by the Microscopy Society of America, the award recognizes groundbreaking innovations that advance the field of microscopy and microanalysis.
The winning solution from Leica Microsystems, SpectraPlex, is integrated with the STELLARIS confocal microscope platform. It redefines high-multiplex imaging by enabling simultaneous detection of 15+ markers in a single round of staining and acquisition, eliminating the need for cyclic imaging and preserving precious tissue integrity. Using multiple markers simultaneously allows researchers to improve their understanding of complex interactions, such as those between tumor cells and their surroundings. This transforms how scientists can explore complex biological systems and aids in developing targeted therapies.
“SpectraPlex is an innovative solution that makes spatial discoveries more accessible,” said Dr. Annette Rinck, President of Leica Microsystems. “We are honored to receive the Innovation Award from Microscopy Today. This award underscores our commitment to supporting researchers in their pursuit of developing new treatments that improve human health.”
SpectraPlex simplifies panel creation and automates acquisition settings using advanced unmixing algorithms. These features ensure data quality and reliability across scales. By integrating spatial context with molecular detail, this solution empowers researchers to uncover complex cellular interactions and phenotypes in cancer, immunology, and neuroscience—transforming spatial biology from a challenge into a discovery engine.
For more information, please visit the SpectraPlex product page.
About the Microscopy Today Innovation Awards
Each year, Microscopy Today, the official publication of the Microscopy Society of America, selects ten innovations that significantly impact the microscopy community. Winning entries are chosen for their ability to deliver better, faster, or entirely new methods of analysis. The awards are recognized globally as a prestigious honor in the field of microscopy and microanalysis.
Find out more at: https://microscopy.org/microscopy-today-innovation-awards
About Leica Microsystems
Leica Microsystems, a Danaher company, develops and manufactures fully integrated solutions for microscopic imaging and scientific instruments to analyze microstructures and nanostructures. The company empowers customers to unveil the invisible and build a better, healthier world. Widely recognized for their optical precision and innovative technology, it is one of the market leaders in compound and stereo microscopy, digital microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and surgical microscopes. Their portfolio also covers imaging workflow solutions including sample preparation and AI-enabled image analysis.
For over 175 years, Leica Microsystems has been shaping the future based on a culture rooted in customer focus and innovation. The company has six major plants and product development sites around the world. It is represented in over 100 countries, has sales and service organizations in 20 countries, and an international network of distribution partners. Its headquarters are located in Wetzlar, Germany.
Find out more at: www.leica-microsystems.com
About Danaher
Danaher is a leading global life sciences and diagnostics innovator, committed to accelerating the power of science and technology to improve human health. Our businesses partner closely with customers to solve many of the most important health challenges impacting patients around the world. Danaher's advanced science and technology - and proven ability to innovate - help enable faster, more accurate diagnoses and help reduce the time and cost needed to sustainably discover, develop and deliver life-changing therapies. Focused on scientific excellence, innovation and continuous improvement, our approximately 63,000 associates worldwide help ensure that Danaher is improving quality of life for billions of people today, while setting the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow.
Explore more at www.danaher.com.
