Confocal User Group Meeting, 19 November 2025

sabioimaging
3 days ago
1 min read

Alongside the launch of the new Zeiss LSM910/990 Lightfield 4D microscope, a Confocal User Group Meeting, hosted by Zeiss in collaboration with SABI, was held in Stellenbosch on 19^th of November 2025.

The meeting brought together imaging specialists, facility managers, and researchers to discuss several key topics: funding opportunities, core-facility management, software and data management, and microscopy training. Participants highlighted persistent challenges in securing sustainable funding for imaging infrastructure in South Africa, as well as the ongoing struggle for core-facility staff to receive appropriate acknowledgement or authorship for their scientific contributions. Data handling and image analysis were identified as growing pressure points as instruments generate increasingly large datasets, while the demand for training continues to rise. The community also discussed how best to structure workshops to meet user needs and strengthen microscopy capacity across the country.

Afterward, participants who attended in person got the opportunity to network, share experiences and build our community over a glass of wine.

Written by Dr Chantelle Venter

For a comprehensive summary of the discussion, have a look at the document below.