Flamingo: Modular, shareable light sheet microscopy

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Jan Huisken
• Subject Area: Developmental Biology ; Evolutionary Cell and Developmental Biology (Zoology) ; Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas ; Cell Biology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 566290745

High-end light microscopy is a crucial technique in the life sciences, and cutting-edge research often depends on access to the latest instrumentation. Unfortunately, the most advanced commercial instruments are costly and have a lifespan of only a few years before they are outdated. As such, many recently acquired microscopes sit in labs worldwide and collect dust rather than data. Hence, there is a need for a more sustainable microscope platform that offers easy upgradability and reusability: a reconfigurable instrument that is available on demand and can be rented or borrowed for a few months without a lengthy application process. Light sheet microscopy has established itself as a key technology that offers fast and gentle multidimensional imaging across scales in fixed and life tissues. We have developed Flamingo, a portable, modular light sheet microscope that can travel from lab to lab, offering local access to high-end instrumentation and making experiments more reproducible. We now propose the idea of a decentralized imaging facility that provides custom, shareable light sheet microscopes for short-term use, on-site training, and remote experimental support. We will advise which configuration and light sheet setup best suits a given application, and a tailored microscope will be provided accordingly. The concept offers easy access to and democratization of microscopy instrumentation, sustainable use of microscope components, short development cycles, a high level of customization, reproducible experiments, and portability for science at the highest level at any location. The Flamingo microscopes will always be in use, always in working condition, and updated if needed; hence, they are more sustainable than commercial and other home-built microscopes. Our Flamingos will complement existing microscopy facilities and commercial microscopes, allowing scientists in need to use light sheet technology for a short period, for a series of experiments, for a training course, and for evaluating the technology. Flamingo has the potential to reshape the microscopy community as a whole, democratize access to high-end technology, and bring microscope developers, software engineers, and biologists closer together.

• DFG Programme: Further Instrumentation Related Funding
• Major Instrumentation: Modular Light Sheet Extensions ; Modulares Light Sheet Mikroskop (1) ; Modulares Light Sheet Mikroskop (2)
• Instrumentation Group: 5040 Spezielle Mikroskope (außer 500-503) ; 5060 Mikroskopbeleuchtung