Dear microscopists,

an update on the Wellcome Trust Multi-User Equipment grant for upgrades to FILM: After making it through the preliminary round, we are now in the final stages of the full application (deadline next Monday). Those of you who got in touch in response to previous emails have already been involved in the application, either as co-applicants or as collaborators. But if any of you who haven't been in touch have a direct interest in any of the proposed bits of equipment, we would be thankful for more letters of support, as long as they contain details of how the equipment would improve your research, and how much time you think you would use it for.

The WT guidelines state:
"Please ensure that letters of support provided by user communities detail specifically how the resource, technology or equipment will be used by the group to enhance their research outputs (for equipment applications only, please include an indication as to the amount of time each user group anticipate will be spent with the equipment requested)."

I'm also pleased to say that the ONIX perfusion system is now already funded, purchased and installed, available to all FILM users, thanks to efforts by Brian Robertson (thanks, Brian!) - an introduction will be organised shortly.

Thanks in advance, best regards,

Martin

On 15/11/2013 12:31, Martin Spitaler wrote:

Dear microscopists,

following feedback from FILM users and Wellcome Trust grant holders (see summary at the bottom), the FILM steering committee has decided to use the open call for Wellcome Trust Multi-User Equipment grant applications to apply for upgrades / updates of existing equipment as well as some novel technology. The highest demand is currently for a new super-resolution microscope, which is luckily already funded by BBSRC, we are now in the process of testing the equipment to be purchased. Other demands stretched across a wide range of technologies and unfortunately also locations across the college, the committee tried to strike the best balance between all needs and decided to apply for the following package:

New technology:

an automated high-throughput microscopy system (e.g. Operetta or similar)

the high-throughput capacity, in combination with existing image processing / analysis capacity (e.g. Definiens) will satisfy the needs for both the high-content screening and to a large degree ImageStream needs

Upgrade:

upgrade of the existing intravital microscope (FILM-CF3) with options including high-sensitivity hybrid detectors, 405 laser, a cabinet for mouse handling, laser dispersion correction (detailed options to be checked with manufacturers)

Support:

one full-time FILM staff post for Hammersmith for the duration of the grant

Replacement:

a high-sensitivity new-generation confocal (similar to the Zeiss LSM-780 in Hammersmith), to be located in SAFB / South Kensington

~~Possible options for small, complementary equipment add-ons~~:

~~FleXcell Tensions System~~

~~ONIX microfluidic platform (if not already funded by other sources through other sources)~~

~~a high-precision multi-channel peristaltic pump system~~

Obviously, we can't apply for everything on the list at the same time, some things will have to wait for the next equipment grant call.

We now need to finalise the application - and for that we need your support: Those of you willing to support the application with your scientific interest and track record, please do get back to us soon - the deadline for the preliminary application is 2nd of December.
And although the major bits of equipment to go on the application have been decided, if there are smaller add-ons missing on the list that would help with your microscopy in FILM, please let us know.

Good imaging,

Martin

Information:

http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/Funding/Biomedical-science/Funding-schemes/Strategic-awards-and-initiatives/WTDV031728.htm

Summary of microscopy needs in Imperial College - FILM, feedback 2013:
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