Research Resources – List

LUTIN – Laboratoire des Usages en Technologies d’Information Numériques – is a federative multidisciplinary research platform dedicated to the study of cognitive sciences, aiming to explore the relationship between humans and digital technology, within the framework of academic and industrial research. Since 2014, LUTIN has been a Research Federation under the supervision of the University of Paris 8, the EPHE-PSL, the University of Paris-Est Créteil and Universcience.

Housed within the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie in Paris, LUTIN supports the scientific cooperation activities carried out by its partner structures. It provides a framework conducive to hosting collaborative projects, pooling knowledge and skills, as well as networks, infrastructures and shared research platforms.

LUTIN is both a research platform dedicated to the study of digital uses and an innovation center serving fundamental and applied research. It offers a wide range of services thanks to a fleet of innovative technological equipment allowing the analysis of behavioral and neurophysiological measurements in real time (recording of eye movements, body movements, EEG, virtual reality, robotics, etc.) as well as the proximity and capacity to enroll a large body of users and volunteers among the visitors of the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie.

LUTIN aims to develop the acquisition of knowledge and research methods in the field of digital uses and practices, regardless of the area of application. It allows researchers to develop appropriate methodologies and techniques for observing and modeling uses, and for advanced students and engaged citizens to train in this interdisciplinary field (information and communication sciences and technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics, cognitive sciences, cognitive ergonomics).

LUTIN also aims to foster innovation by offering researchers and manufacturers the opportunity to lead open and participatory innovation projects by placing uses at the heart of innovation practice by involving target users from the design phases and throughout their development. It promotes the connection of communities of talent (researchers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs) with future users by associating public and private partners within ambitious projects that question and redefine the uses of digital technology. It occasionally allows entrepreneurs to evaluate their digital innovation before it is launched on the market.

HPLC-UV/DAD (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with UV-Diode Array Detector) is an advanced analytical technique used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of organic compounds. It effectively separates semi-volatile and non-volatile substances, making it valuable across various fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental analysis.

MALDI-HRMS (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry) is a powerful analytical technique combining high-resolution mass spectrometry with a MALDI source. It enables the ionization of thermolabile molecules and facilitates the identification and quantification of organic compounds in complex matrices, making it ideal for various applications including mass imaging spectrometry (MSI).

Polarimetry is a technique used for the chemical analysis of organic compounds, particularly those that are optically active. By measuring the rotation of polarized light as it passes through a solution containing the solute, polarimetry provides qualitative and quantitative information about the substance being analyzed. The degree of rotation is influenced by the nature of the optically active species, the wavelength of light, and the length of the light path in the solution.

X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) is a powerful, non-destructive analytical technique that provides detailed information about the chemical and electronic properties of elements present in the surface layers of materials (20-30 Å). By analyzing the kinetic energies of photoelectrons emitted upon X-ray excitation, XPS allows for the identification and quantification of elements, as well as insights into their oxidation states and chemical environments. The ProvenX-NAP System enhances traditional XPS capabilities by enabling analysis under Near Ambient Pressure (NAP) conditions, facilitating the study of surfaces in more realistic environments.

X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a non-destructive analytical technique used to identify and quantify the crystalline phases in solid materials. By analyzing the diffractograms produced when X-rays interact with crystalline structures, researchers can derive critical information about the material’s structure, composition, and properties. The Bruker D8-DISCOVER and D8-ADVANCE systems enable advanced analyses, including temperature variations, residual stress measurements, and crystallinity assessments, making XRD essential in materials science, geology, and engineering.

Raman-FTIR microscopy combines Raman spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy to provide detailed chemical and structural information about various materials without the need for sample preparation. Using the Renishaw InVia microscope, this technique enables the analysis of organic and inorganic substances, revealing spatial distributions, layer thicknesses, and crystallinity. It facilitates a broad range of applications, from pharmaceuticals to materials science, allowing for dynamic studies and the identification of unknown materials.

The Zetasizer Ultra from Malvern Panalytical is an advanced analytical instrument for measuring size distribution and zeta potential of suspended particles and large molecules in liquid media. This versatile equipment allows for precise analysis while varying temperature, facilitating reproducible results. It is essential for characterizing nanomaterials, formulating paints and coatings, and ensuring the stability and quality of food and pharmaceutical products.

The Agilent 5500 Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) is a versatile tool for creating three-dimensional topographic maps of materials at nanometric and atomic resolutions. It operates in both contact and tapping modes, allowing for comprehensive surface characterization of a wide range of materials, including insulators, conductors, and biological samples. The AFM can also perform various measurements such as electrical conductivity, magnetic domain mapping, and nanohardness, making it essential for research in materials science, biology, and nanotechnology.

The Nikon TE 2000E Scanning Confocal Microscope is an advanced inverted optical microscope designed to capture high-resolution three-dimensional images of biological and material samples using fluorescence signals. It eliminates out-of-focus fluorescence, enabling detailed optical sectioning and volumetric analysis. Equipped with multiple excitation lasers and detection channels, this microscope is essential for colocalization studies, live cell imaging, and materials science applications, providing insights into cellular dynamics, surface properties, and more.

The Scios 2 High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM-FIB) by FEI is a cutting-edge instrument that integrates a focused ion beam (FIB) and an electron beam to produce ultra-high resolution images and facilitate precise sample preparation for transmission electron microscopy. It features advanced detectors for compositional and material contrast, enabling in-depth morphological and chemical analysis of various materials, including magnetic and insulating specimens. With capabilities for 3D characterization and nanostructure fabrication, the Scios 2 is a versatile tool for nanotechnology research and material science applications.

The Quanta 600 Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) from FEI enables high-resolution imaging (3 nm) and analysis of materials at the micro and nanometer scale. It allows for the study of both conductive and non-conductive specimens under various pressure conditions (10⁻⁵ to 26 mbar) and temperatures (-20 °C to 1500 °C). ESEM provides morphological and topographical observations, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) for elemental composition analysis, and dynamic experiments including humidity and temperature cycles, making it versatile for various applications in materials science, biomedical research, and quality control.

The JEOL F200 is a cutting-edge Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) designed for atomic resolution imaging and analysis across various fields, including materials science and life sciences. With advanced features such as a cold field emission gun, multiple detector configurations, and high-speed imaging capabilities, the F200 facilitates detailed characterization of nanostructured materials, 2D materials, and biological samples. Its flexible design supports in-situ experiments under varying conditions, making it a versatile tool for researchers.

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) is a technique that uses an electron beam to study the morphology, crystallinity, and chemical composition of materials at the micro and nanoscale. It provides high-resolution images (0.2 nm) and allows detailed analysis of biological and nanostructured materials, such as proteins, nanoparticles, and thin films.

Transversal and multidisciplinary research institute whose mission is to address the complex issues of Sustainability, Climate Change and the Energy Transition by adding and integrating the various perspectives offered by our five areas of research: Basic Science of Climate Change; Environmental and Climate Economics: Territorial Analysis; Governance, Environmental and Energy Transition Law, Environmental and Climate Justice; Health risks, Analysis of Human Behavior, Impacts of pollution on people and Ecosystems solutions; Technological solutions, Development of Environmental Monitoring and Analysis Systems.

The Essen College of Gender Research (EKfG) at the University of Duisburg-Essen studies gender relations and analyses differences and similarities from an intersectional perspective. It considers biological features and their medical consequences, everyday reality, opportunities for social participation, and access to material and immaterial resources. Norms, values and rights are likewise included in the analysis in order to arrive at concrete findings for social practice.

The Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI) at the University of Innsbruck (Forschungsschwerpunkt für Molekulare Biowissenschaften) is an integrative and multidisciplinary research and graduate teaching institution, whose mission it is, to advance knowledge on the structure, function, and interaction of biological macromolecules, and of simple compounds, relevant for cellular growth, metabolism, and development.

Transmission electron microscopy enables direct observation of the specimen under near native conditions. The specimen does not undergo any chemical treatment and the data present direct observation of the sample immobilized in the solution of interest.

Mössbauer spectroscopy provides the information about local surroundings of probed iron atoms. By the interpretation of Mössbauer spectra and its hyperfine Mössbauer parameters we can estimate the valence state, oxidation state, spin state, magnetic state of prepared samples.

Seven research groups from the faculty of Movement and Behavioral Sciences of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam conduct experimental research involving humans and make use of advanced methods of research. One of the goals of the institute is to foster the exchange and development of advanced knowledge for neuro-imaging methods of research. The institute will work as a research incubator where researchers and students work together to push the limits of advanced methods of research.

LEARN! is an interdisciplinary research institute on learning in an institutional and societal context. We bring together colleagues from the behavioural, social, medical and educational sciences to understand: The Micro context of learning of children and adults; The Meso context: the classroom, school organisation, day-care centers, work-based settings or adult colleges; The Macro context: the coordination and governance of learning by school boards, local and national governance.

The advancement of knowledge in all aspects of human reproduction and development through interdisciplinary team science aimed at improving health from preconception to adulthood of current and future generations. We are inspired by a future of continuous and sustainable improvement in health for all. We aspire a role at the forefront of fundamental, translational, and clinical science and public health research in human reproduction and development, creating a knowledge hub to guide science that serves the wider society.

The Amsterdam Public Health research institute (APH) is a network institute and forms an important link between intramural clinical care, scientific research, and the extramural care practice in the metropolitan area Amsterdam. Much research performed within APH has the potential to have a direct impact on the society and in practice. This is embedded within our mission: Public Health: health for all, powered by science.

Amsterdam Neuroscience is the research institute for neuroscience of Amsterdam UMC and the science faculties of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam. Researchers and clinicians from these three institutions join forces in the field of fundamental, translational and clinical brain research. This collaboration strengthens the scientific excellence in this area, making Amsterdam Neuroscience one of the largest neuroscience communities in Europe.

Amsterdam Movement Sciences focuses on human movement, a key issue for today’s society, and approaches this in a broad interdisciplinary composition, covering from fundamental to clinical and from cellular to population research. The institute aims at being world leading in the field of interdisciplinary translational research on human movement and physical performance, and to disseminate its results to end-users so that society benefits optimally from our research results.

The mission of the Amsterdam institute for Infection and Immunity (AII) is to develop knowledge and expertise to prevent, diagnose or treat infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases and cancer. The need to focus and combine research activities in the research programs inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases and cancer immunology is crucial in order to identify common and novel immune correlates and pathways to work towards innovative treatment regimens.

AGEM unites the research at the Amsterdam UMC involved at the intersection of nutrition, microbiology, digestion, endocrinology and metabolism and aims to make an important contribution to improve gastrointestinal, endocrine and metabolic health and reduce the burden of diseases such as colorectal cancer (CRC), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diabetes mellitus (DM) and phenylketonuria (PKU).

The Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS) research institute aims to design novel treatment strategies to prevent and cure cardiovascular disease. We organized the cardiovascular research in Amsterdam in five Research Programs in which all aspects of translational research are embedded, covering research from the bench to the bedside and vice versa.

Cancer Center Amsterdam is an academic oncology center that aims to create groundbreaking new possibilities for patients with cancer. To achieve this, we integrate world-class research with healthcare and education to boldly push boundaries and discover new insights and opportunities. By making direct use of the knowledge obtained from our research, we can provide the best innovative and compassionate care for patients with cancer.

The BioMedical Center is an official collaboration between research groups working in biomedical molecular life sciences within the University of Iceland, the National Hospital, Reykjavík University, and other research institutions. The research groups focus on various fields of research, including molecular biology of cancer, stem cell biology, neural biology, gene and transcription regulation, gene therapy, nutritional biochemistry, immunology, and physiology.

The Center Interdisciplinary Gender Studies Innsbruck (CGI) and the affiliated research platform researches, theorizes and deconstructs gender and gender relations in a trans- and interdisciplinary perspective. The CGI and the Research Platform deepen the cooperation of scientists and lecturers in the field of Women´s*, Gender, Feminist and Queer Studies regionally, nationally and transnationally. In addition, they seeks to enhance the links to international research, strengthen Women´s*, Gender, Feminist and Queer Studies through cooperations with non-university actors and organisations and to disseminate research findings to the public, politics and society in order to contribute to the reduction of intersectional inequalities.

The research area benefits from a broad field of expertise with a special focus on mountain areas. Based on the idea of a multi-faculty University, we have experts from 8 research centers working in natural and technical sciences, in social, economic as well as in cultural, sport and health sciences. Thanks to the different disciplines involved, our research focus is able to address topics relevant to mountain areas from various perspectives. This is becoming more and more important, as mountain regions are considered especially vulnerable to increasing climate change impacts and globalization. We react to these issues by merging results from all embedded disciplines and extending the output in interdisciplinary research frameworks. Beyond fundamental research, the interdisciplinary strategy should help to contribute to smart solutions for sustainable development in mountain areas, and to pursue outreach activities in mountain communities.

The Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ELH) is a center for research, development and application of ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging (UHF-MRI), particularly in cognitive neurosciences and clinical diagnostic imaging. Centerpiece of the Erwin L. Hahn Institute is a whole-body ultrahigh field (UHF) MAGNETOM Terra 7-Tesla MRI System from Siemens Healthcare operating at a magnetic field strength of 7 Tesla. The ELH was founded as a central institution of the University of Duisburg-Essen and the Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen in 2005.

The Center of Medical Biotechnology (ZMB) is an interdisciplinary scientific center of the University of Duisburg-Essen and provides the framework for research in the field of biomedical science. The ZMB integrates basic scientific research on the UDE campus with application-oriented medical research at the University Hospital Essen. The mission of the ZMB is to elucidate molecular mechanisms of disease and to turn this knowledge into medical progress. To this end, the ZMB is active in key areas of basic biomedical research, and the translation of scientific knowledge into novel drugs and diagnostic tools. Accordingly, approx. 80 workgroups of the ZMB combine basic and applied biomedical sciences. The interdisciplinary research approach is also reflected in joint research and collaborative projects between the three participating faculties, which focus on three research areas: i) oncology, ii) immunology, infectious diseases and transplantation and iii) molecular and chemical cell biology. A dynamic, stimulating and collaborative research environment includes state of the art facilities and more than 600 highly educated personnel. Our interdisciplinary research crosses traditional boundaries and involves joint projects with the biotechnical and pharmaceutical industry, nanotechnology, physics and engineering. ZMB members actively participate in our educational and research-oriented Bachelor- and Master Schemes in Medical Biology and Molecular Biology that prepare for a scientific career in the biomedical field. Doctoral students benefit from established measures for the promotion of young scientists, such as structured (inter)national doctoral programs initiated under the auspices or with the participation of ZMB members.

Research and data management software for open science. OSF is a free, open platform to support your research and enable collaboration. OSF Institutions enhances transparency and increases the visibility of research outputs, accelerating discovery and reuse. Institutional members focus on generating and sharing research, and let OSF Institutions handle the infrastructure.

ASPHER is the key independent European organisation dedicated to strengthening the role of public health by improving education and training of public health professionals for both practice and research.

European Infrastructure for Biological Data

Czech National Infrastructure for Biological Data

The CCCA is a contact point for researchers, politicians, the media, and the public for all questions concerning climate research in Austria. Thus, the CCCA promotes a sustainable climate dialog. The term “climate research” encompasses the scientific examination of climate change, its physical, political, economic, cultural and social causes, the consequences of climate change for society, the economy and the environment, climate mitigation and adaptation strategies and identification of vulnerabilities and capacities.

The ASEAN European Academic University Network (ASEA-UNINET) is a network of universities, consisting of European and South-East Asian universities with the goal of promoting the continuous internationalization of education and research. Every year more than 100 bilateral and multilateral research projects are conducted. Furthermore, PhD and Post-Doc scholarships are granted to students and researchers. In addition, international workshops, conferences, summer/winter schools as well as networking events are organized on a regular basis.

The UniNEtZ partner institutions take on so-called (co-)sponsorships for the SDGs. A sponsorship means that the institution coordinates and compiles all knowledge and activities throughout Austria on the respective SDG. Participation describes the content-related collaboration on a specific SDG. Through these intensive collaborations and professional engagement with the SDGs, all contributions are collected, critically examined and coordinated with each other in order to work on the development of an options paper in the period 2019-2021. This is intended to support the Austrian government in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Disaster Competence Network Austria (DCNA) bundles scientific expertise in the field of disaster research. The networking platform acts as a focal point for disaster research, bringing together scientific institutions and their stakeholders, as well as public and private entities. Furthermore, DCNA brings together and exploits existing scientific and technical infrastructures and expertise in the field of disaster risk management.

The Austrian-African Research Network Africa-UniNet was initiated to create a long-term, stable basis for cooperation between Austrian and African universities and research institutions. It intends to promote new contacts, deepen scientific cooperation and provide excellent opportunities for innovative joint research projects.

The aim of the NAR is to follow the course of development of individuals with autism over time, primarily through online questionnaires. We collect information on a wide range of topics related to the living situation of people with autism in the Netherlands. This way we can identify the differences and similarities between people with autism. The data from the NAR are valuable for scientific research. The NAR also helps people with autism to protect their interests and improve their quality of life. Parents of children with autism, people with autism, but also health care professionals and scientists all have questions about autism. Together, we can find answers to these questions. For instance, one person with autism may be able to hold a job, and have a satisfying social life, while the other one, despite similar cognitive skills, fails to do so. What causes such individual differences? What additional problems do individuals with autism develop? What are the benefits of having autism? What are success factors? By following a large group of people we can explore what factors have an impact on their quality of life.

The research carried out by the Netherlands Twin Register focuses on the role of heritability in mental and physical health. For instance, the NTR investigates why some people become more easily depressed than others, or why certain people get diabetes while others don’t. Other research areas include lifestyle and habits that influence health and disease, such as smoking, drinking and exercise.

DANS is the Dutch national centre of expertise and repository for research data. We help researchers make their data available for reuse. This allows researchers to use the data for new research and makes published research verifiable and reproducible. With more than 180,000 datasets and a staff of 60, DANS is one of the leading repositories in Europe.

Database of interaction of small molecules with membranes

The Scientific and Technical Resources Service (SRCiT) provides technical support to the research, development and transfer activity that takes place at the URV and also to the companies and institutions.

This is a state-of-the-art project that makes analysis protocols available to the scientific community and professionals using the most advanced infrastructures in the field of mass spectrometry. These are three state-of-the-art high-resolution mass spectrometers, which allow the detection, confirmation of organic compounds and the analysis of unknowns in different types of samples. Fields of application range from metabolomics to the environment and industry. The three technologies that the HRMS CATSUD-URV Platform incorporates are: GC-HRMS (Exactive GC is a high-resolution system consisting of a mass spectrometer and a gas chromatograph); UHPLC-HRMS (Orbitrap ID-X Mass Spectrometer ™ Tribrid ™ is an integrated mass spectrometer consisting of the combination of three mass analyzers (quadrupole, a double cell ion trap and the Orbitrap) with dual fragmentation techniques (CID and HCD), coupled to the Vanquish high-resolution liquid chromatograph Flex UHPLC, for very sensitive and ultra-high resolution MSn analysis); MALDI-HRMS (Exploris 120 Mass Spectrometer from Thermo Scientific with a Spectroglyph MALDI source, combines a high-resolution mass analyzer for accurate mass detection, coupled to a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization source (MALDI))

This is an innovative project that aims to provide the scientific community and professionals with advanced infrastructures for work and analysis at the nanometer or lower scale. The Platform uses two high-resolution electron microscopy equipment that are integrated into the Microscopy and Nanometric Techniques Area. The two technologies that make up the CATSUD-URV Nanotechnology Platform are: High-resolution scanning electron microscope (FESEM-FIB) and FETEM – Transmission Electron Microscope of atomic resolution.

This phantom allows testing of X-ray based imaging techniques (including CT).

Ultrasound machine suitable for whole-body imaging

The Center for Instrumental Analysis is the is the shared instrument facility for chemical analysis at the Department of Pharmacy. It includes 3 high-field NMR spectrometers (700 MHz, liquid 1H/13C/15N 5 mm cryo-probe or CP-MAS probe; 600 MHz, 1H/13C/15N/31P 5 mm cryo-probe, SampleJet autosampler; 400 MHz, 1H/BB 5 mm inverse probe), one Linear Trap LC-MS system, one Triple Quadrupole LC-MS system, one Single Quadrupole GC-MS system. Purchase of a high-resolution Orbitrap instrument is planned.

Share Journals is the platform for the management and publication of open access scientific journals on behalf of the SHARE Interuniversity Consortium. Share Journals has been created by the University of Naples “Federico II “- Centre for Libraries. Since 2015 hosts the research publications of the Universities participating in the SHARE alliance, which involves the collaboration of 11 Universities of Southern Italy. Research publications are submitted to a double – blind peer – review process and are published in Italian and in English.

The IT platform is employed to publish and disseminate e-book series in Open Access. Share Books has been created by the University of Naples “Federico II “- Centre for Libraries. Since 2015 hosts the research publications of the Universities participating in the SHARE alliance, which involves the collaboration of 11 Universities of Southern Italy. Research publications are submitted to a double – blind peer – review process and are published in Italian and in English. The University of Naples Federico II owns a digital publishing brand, FedOA Press.

This infrastructure is part of the Roadmap to Icelandic infrastructure and is being set-up and therefore not available yet.
i. Cell analysis and sorting facility. In recent years, methods that allow phenotyping of cells have become even more important to understand sub-populations and interactions among cells. Major progress has been made and now instruments have been developed that allow analysis of over 20 molecules per cell. This technology is a real necessity for diverse fields of biosciences, from basic science to the identification of cells needed for cellular therapy.
ii. Imaging facility. Microscopy and imaging have undergone major improvements in the last few years. In addition to constant improvements in conventional, fluorescent, confocal and electric microscopy, now newer instruments have been developed such as multi-photon, light sheet and super-resolution microscopes.
iii. Small animal facility. The University of Iceland Biomedical Center and ArcticLAS have been building a modern infrastructure for small animal experiments. The long-term goal is to move this infrastructure into academic surroundings, improve and expand it.
iv. Genomics facility. Major improvements have occurred in genomic technology, and these techniques are used in more and more bioscience fields. We aim to build a sequencing facility that allows for long range sequencing as well as single cell sequencing approaches.

EFNGREIN is part of the Roadmap to Icelandic infrastructure and is being set-up and therefore not available yet. The EFNGREIN project aims to advance, maintain and improve access to infrastructure that is necessary for carrying out chemical analysis on a wide variety of molecules. Thus EFNGREIN will support research and development in Icelandic universities, research institutions and industry, within the fields of medicine, pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, the molecular life sciences, biotechnology, medical and chemical engineering, nutrition and chemistry.

The Analytics Core Facility Essen (ACE) is a central facility of the Center of Medical Biotechnology (ZMB) and of the Faculty of Biology of the University Duisburg-Essen. It offers access to state-of-the-art mass spectrometry-based proteomics for internal and external users. The timely technical equipment of the ACE allows us to provide a wide variety of different “bottom-up” and “top-down” proteomics methods. Furthermore, we also develop innovative solutions for project-specific demands. The service comprises all aspects of mass spectrometry-based proteomics, starting from technical advice and project planning, sample preparation and analysis to data analysis, data management and interpretation of results.

The ICCE provides the following services for all ZMB researchers and collaborating groups of the University Duisburg-Essen or external universities and research institutions: (i) state-of-the-art equipment for advanced light microscopy techniques, (ii) technical advice in sample preparation and (iii) support in image analysis

Centerpiece of the Erwin L. Hahn Institute at the University of Duisburg-Essen is a whole-body ultrahigh field (UHF) MAGNETOM Terra 7-Tesla MRI System from Siemens Healthcare operating at a magnetic field strength of 7 Tesla. The 7 Tesla UHF MRI system provides a much higher sensitivity for structural and functional measurements in the human body. Thus, cross-sectional images with excellent image contrast and very high detail resolution can be produced.

The services of the Genomics and Transcriptomics Facility comprise genomic analyses via next generation sequencing, microarrays and real-time PCR. These include particularly the following tasks: consultation for project planning and selection of the appropriate method; consultation for and conduct of sample preparation and data analyses; technical support; quality control of the samples and intermediate products; development, establishment and optimization of methods.

The Light Microscopy Unit of the Imaging Center Essen runs state-of-the-art widefield, confocal, superresolution, multiphoton and light-sheet microscopes and a fast slide scanner. It also operates an S2 cell sorter, a whole-body fluorescence and luminescence imager and a pre-clinical ultrasound. The Electron Microscopy Unit operates a 120 kV TEM with tomography options and a dual-beam SEM that can be used for FIB/SEM tomography, array tomography and cryo-SEM. Comprehensive sample preparation equipment is available for both imaging modalities.

The West German Biobank Essen stores blood, blood derivates, urine as well as FFPE and snap frozen tissue. Besides the storage, administration and provision of samples, the WBE offers further services: production of tissue microarrays, slide scanning and extraction of nucleic acids. Before samples and data can be provisioned, a proposal has to be submitted to the scientific advisory board. The board reviews each proposal and consults further experts if necessary.

The motion analysis system with 8 Vicon Bonita 10 cameras is a system for marker-based motion detection. It consists of: (1) 8 high-speed infrared cameras that telemetrically capture the position of reflective markers in calibrated space; (2) force plates that measure ground reaction forces; (3) a computer system that synchronizes the measurement equipment and stores the data; (4) software for marker data tracking and biomechanical modeling; (5) an additional normal light high-speed camera; (6) a module for synchronization with an EMG measurement device. Typical application is the measurement and biomechanical modeling of human motion as used in sports science, exercise science and medicine.