Wolfson Imaging Centre available for RDM researchers to use

The Wolfson Imaging Centre at the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine is an open-access light microscopy core facility, with a wide range of state-of-the-art wide-field, confocal and super-resolution light microscopes suitable for imaging samples from single cells to intact tissues and whole specimens.

I was working at the WIMM as a cardiovascular research postdoc when the Wolfson Imaging Centre was founded in 2012, and I had the great opportunity to contribute to the decision-making regarding which instruments would be selected.

In the years that followed, I was a power user of the microscopes. In 2018, I transitioned into the role of Assistant Facility Manager, and then Facility Manger in 2021. This longstanding work at and with the facility has given me a unique perspective on researchers' various imaging demands. I have experienced many changes in the experimental research landscape and feel very well suited to helping RDM researchers plan experiments, supporting their grant writing and providing them with well-looked-after instruments and training.

A simple picture can make a complicated research question so easy to grasp!  - Jana Koth

Together with my colleague Cyril Lai, we maintain and quality control our advanced research microscopes, provide microscopy training and teach theoretical imaging courses. A big part of our role is also to discuss how imaging will be approached in potential research projects with the scientists, helping them choose the right microscope(s) to address their questions, troubleshoot sample preparation and microscopy issues, and redirect them to other local or national facilities should we not have the required technique in house.

We strive to provide all our researchers with bespoke training and project support and hope that – after having worked with us – they can confidently operate the advanced microscopes to the highest standard and apply that highly transferable skillset throughout their research career.

Being able to visualise biological research problems with light microscopy instruments is not just an important lab technique. It is also proving highly useful for engaging the wider public with research questions and – allow me to say – for bringing researchers 'a spark of excitement and wonder' about their own work. It never ceases to give us great joy to have a research student cry out in amazement, when they produce their first great images of their research project. A simple picture can make a complicated research question so easy to grasp!

You see – we love microscopy! If you are curious to see how we can support you and your research question, please drop us an email at microscopy@imm.ox.ac.uk and come around for a chat to discuss your work!