Renewal of a Transmission Electron Microscope

• Subject Area: Microbiology, Virology and Immunology
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 584298415

This project will enable the targeted digital upgrade of the central transmission electron micro-scope (TEM) at the Core Facility Microscopy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. The facility supports a uniquely broad and diverse spectrum of researchers in the natural scienc-es, medicine, external institutions, and industry, with a particular focus on soft matter re-search. Scientific projects address fundamental and applied questions involving a wide variety of sample types, including biomacromolecules, cells, tissues, nanomaterials, polymers, and hybrid systems. Over 50 peer-reviewed publications in the past five years and ongoing partic-ipation in major interdisciplinary research networks highlight the facility’s vital role. The TEM is the facility’s primary platform for robust and versatile ultrastructural analysis, screening, and training. It is essential for high-quality imaging and routine as well as advanced workflows across the soft matter domain. Despite its proven mechanical reliability and availability of technical support, the current analog control systems and 1K-camera limit compatibility with today’s digital research infrastructure and data standards. Funding is therefore requested for a comprehensive digital upgrade. The planned measures include modernization of the control and vacuum electronics, integration of a sensitive camera, and the deployment of modern, user-friendly imaging and data management software compatible with institutional workflows and electronic lab notebooks. This upgrade will enhance image quality and reproducibility, enable automated and efficient data acquisition, and ensure seamless connectivity with image data management systems.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Erneuerung eines Transmissionselektronenmikroskops
• Instrumentation Group: 5100 Elektronenmikroskope (Transmission)
• Applicant Institution: Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg
• Leader: Dr. Stephanie Krüger