13 – 17 April 2026
Light Microscopy Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20, Prague
The course will delve into fundamental aspects of image data acquisition, processing, and analysis, encompassing techniques in stereology. Alongside theoretical principles, the course will prioritize hands-on practical learning. Participants will gain proficiency in utilizing the freely available software package Fiji for both basic and advanced analyses. They will learn to assess co-localizations, analyze data from FRAP and electron microscopy, track particles, segment objects in images, and explore methods of employing artificial intelligence for image segmentation.
Additionally, participants will master techniques to enhance data quality through deconvolution using Huygens software. An interactive session featuring Imaris software will be complemented by practical exercises. Furthermore, this year introduces a new series of practical sessions utilizing Napari, a Python-based environment for image processing. Independent practical tasks involving Fiji and Huygens will also constitute a significant component of the course.
12 – 16 October 2026
Institute of Molecular Genetics, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20, Prague
The course is an introduction to both light and electron microscopy with solid theoretical background extended with many practical presentations. The lectures and also practical sessions are taught by experts and scientists from the field and also by product specialists from leading microscopy companies. The five-day theoretical course with practical demonstrations and exercises, is intensively devoted to modern methodologies of light and electron microscopy. Compared to previous years, the program of the course has been updated to copy new trends in microscopy such as super-resolution light microscopy (SIM / PALM, STED, STORM) or Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
During the course, participants will see practical demonstration of confocal, 2-photon and also cutting-edge superresolution microscopy – STED and SIM. The course also deals with the processing of the image data, however, priority is to acquire practical skills in microscopy techniques (image analysis is the main topic of the course Processing and analysis of microscopic images in biomedicine ). After completing the course, the participant will be able to determine what is appropriate microscopic technique used to answer the research questions, including the preparation and data processing for publication.
Detailed methodological guidance and technical training are part of the more specialized courses. The course is primarily intended for PhD students and young researchers in the biomedical fields. A number of doctoral committees counts this course towards the fulfillment of students’ study obligations. The course will be taught in English.
The course is jointly organized with the IPHYS BIF core facility.
17-18 September 2026
CEITEC Brno University of Technology, B0.04, Purkyňova 123, Brno
Digital holographic, interference, fluorescence and confocal microscopy and its use in modern medicine, deployment of live cells, operating the Q-Phase microscope
TBA
Dear Czech-BioImaging Users and Friends,
with the beginning of the new year, we are pleased to announce the launch of the new visual identity of Czech-BioImaging. This update reflects the steady development and growth of our research infrastructure, as well as our effort to keep pace with recent trends in imaging and scientific communication. It also mirrors the expanding user community we serve and our ongoing commitment to quality, scientific excellence, reliability, and continuity.
Our new logo builds on the foundations of the previous one. It retains our signature blue colour to preserve continuity, while its simplified and modernised form improves clarity and readability across formats. The refreshed visual identity introduces a unified system that strengthens our communication across all facilities and enhances how we present Czech-BioImaging to the wider public.
Why we refreshed our identity
As Czech-BioImaging continues to grow, so does our responsibility to communicate clearly and consistently with our users, collaborators, and partners in the Czech Republic and abroad. A strong and coherent visual identity helps us represent who we are today and how our infrastructure has evolved over the years.
The refreshed identity enables us to:
The new identity is the outcome of a thoughtful design process carried out in collaboration with graphic designer Martin Vosátka. It is grounded in our long-term mission, shaped by feedback from our community, and guided by the principles set during the development of our brand.
A logo inspired by imaging
The new Czech-BioImaging logo is grounded in the visual language of imaging.
Its concentric, rotational elements reference lens adjustment and focus, symbolising precision, clarity, and the interconnected network of our facilities.
The accompanying logotype ensures readability and a modern, clean presentation suitable for both digital and print environments.
Together, the symbol and wordmark create a clear and flexible logo system that represents our scientific focus and the collaborative nature of Czech-BioImaging.
A colour palette built for clarity and impact
Our updated colour palette is designed to support clear communication while remaining visually distinctive. It is based on four primary tones:
A complementary secondary palette expands the system for posters, outreach materials, and digital communication, allowing flexibility without losing consistency.
Typography that supports readability
The primary typeface, Open Sauce One, was chosen for its balance of modern design and excellent readability. A clear typographic structure helps us communicate scientific content in a way that is accessible, precise, and visually coherent. Where required, Roboto serves as a reliable replacement.
Patterns derived from our core symbol
The new brand identity incorporates a modular pattern system derived directly from the logo symbol. These patterns can be used in both subtle and expressive applications — from digital backgrounds to printed materials — helping create a unified visual environment across Czech-BioImaging.
Where will the new identity appear?
The updated identity will gradually be introduced across:
Our goal is to make the transition smooth and ensure that all materials reflect the same high standard of clarity, professionalism, and visual cohesion.
A brand that represents our community
This new visual identity underscores our long-standing commitment to open access, expert support, and high-quality imaging services. It also reflects the collaborative nature of our infrastructure — shaped by the work of our facilities, the contributions of our staff, and the creativity and needs of our users.
We look forward to presenting Czech-BioImaging with an identity that supports our mission and strengthens the visibility of the imaging community in the Czech Republic and beyond.
In November 2025, Czech-BioImaging welcomed members of its International Advisory Board (IAB) for a series of on-site visits to Core Facilities across the national network. The IAB visits marked an important milestone in the Performance Assessment process, which provides an independent, international evaluation of the scientific quality, user services, and strategic development of the facilities.
Over three days, IAB panels specializing in Medical Imaging, Light Microscopy, and Electron Microscopy visited facilities in Olomouc, Brno, České Budějovice, Vestec and Prague, meeting Core Facility leaders, users, and local staff. The visits offered an opportunity to discuss scientific achievements, operational challenges, and visions for future development, as well as to benchmark the facilities against leading European infrastructures.
MUNI MAFIL CEITEC visit by Prof. Uwe Himmelreich, Prof. Karel Pacák, Prof. Petr Hluštík and Prof. Daniel Jirák.
MUNI CELLIM CEITEC visit by Dr. Dušan Chorvát, Dr. Timo Zimmermann, Dr. Paula Sampaio, Dr. Marek Cebecauer and Dr. Paolo Bianchini.
BC LEM visit by Prof. Klaus Qvortrup, Dr. Julia Fernandez-Rodriguez, and Dr. Eija Jokitalo.
The on-site program concluded with a joint discussion meeting in Prague and a network dinner, where IAB members and the Czech-BioImaging Steering Committee exchanged insights and preliminary reflections.
The goal of the IAB evaluation is to ensure that Czech-BioImaging maintains excellence, transparency, and continuous improvement in its research infrastructure. Through direct engagement and dialogue, the IAB provides feedback that supports both strategic planning and performance-based funding decisions within the national network.
BUT BCF CEITEC visit
IEM MSC visit
CUNI CAPI visit
Following the visits, Core Facility leaders will submit updated documentation for the evaluation period January 2023 – December 2025. The IAB panels will complete their assessments by May 2026, assigning ratings (A–D) that will impact facility’s total budget. The final results and recommendations will be discussed jointly with the Steering Committee in 2026, forming the basis for the next phase of strategic development across Czech-BioImaging.
3 December 2025
Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 147, Brno, Czech Republic
One day workshop filled with news from experts on brain imaging including EEG, MRI, microscopy, optics, miniscope and preclinical studies. Many different facilities with expertise in brain imaging will present their know-how.
The workshop is organized by the ISI MR core facility.
2 – 4 December 2025
Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 147, Brno, Czech Republic
Learn principles of Electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy in three days and try operating microscopes and preparing biological specimens. The course is aimed at university students and young scientists in the life sciences and soft materials who are planning to use advanced imaging and analytical methods in their research.
The course is organized by the ISI EM core facility and supported by the BC LEM and CUNI VMCF core facilities.
Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences
Prague, Czech Republic
The conference is open to everyone interested in imaging methods, with no presentation required to attend. The program will feature expert talks covering light and electron microscopy, multimodal and correlative imaging, and medical imaging. Highlights include keynote and invited lectures, a poster session, a company exhibition, presentations of the latest technological innovations, and outstanding results from Czech-BioImaging Core Facilities.
More details coming soon!
Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences
Prague, Czech Republic
More details coming soon!
Czech-BioImaging was prominently represented at the recent Euro-BioImaging Train-the-Trainer (TtT) course, held on 20–24 October 2025 at the EMBL Imaging Centre in Heidelberg, Germany. The event was a part of Euro-BioImaging’s EVOLVE project aiming to develop innovative teaching methodologies and harmonize training standards across the European research infrastructure. The project provides a platform for trainers to refine their teaching techniques, exchange knowledge, and contribute to shaping the next generation of imaging and data processing experts.
Among the course contributors were Michaela Blažíková and Ivan Novotný from the Light Microscopy Core Facility (LM CF) of the IMG, Czech Academy of Sciences (part of the Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy Node Prague CZ). Both are experienced trainers who regularly host and organize advanced courses in microscopy and image analysis. They actively participated in the program with their presentation “From super-resolution to image analysis”, showcasing practical insights from their extensive training experience.
Their involvement enriched the course discussions and strengthened the exchange of best practices between European imaging facilities, enhancing the contribution of the Czech-BioImaging to the European training portfolio.
In addition to the presenters, several other Czech-BioImaging representatives from all three national nodes participated in the Heidelberg course, underscoring the network’s commitment to professional development and collaboration.
Participants included:
This strong Czech participation demonstrated the growing engagement in the Euro-BioImaging’s training ecosystem and the Czech-BioImaging’s dedication to advancing scientific excellence through structured and high-quality training for core facility staff.
Participation in Euro-BioImaging activities, such as this one, is of great importance to the Czech scientific community, providing valuable opportunities to strengthen connections, share expertise, and stay aligned with European standards in imaging and education.
Alongside open access to imaging technologies and funding of user projects, training activities form one of Czech-BioImaging’s main strategic priorities. The inclusion of staff training through initiatives like EVOLVE complements our user-oriented educational programs and contributes to the long-term growth of expertise across Czech imaging facilities.
We highly value the opportunity to be part of Euro-BioImaging and are glad to have contributed to this collaborative effort. We look forward to continuing our participation and welcoming more opportunities like EVOLVE in the future to further strengthen both Czech-BioImaging and the broader European imaging community.
Euro-BioImaging website: www.eurobioimaging.eu
2-3 October 2025
CEITEC Brno University of Technology, B0.04, Purkyňova 123, Brno
This course is the introduction to light microscopy and to the Biophotonics Core Facility. It is particularly suitable for potential users of the facility. The course can also be registered for a PhD study program as the TEB-A subject available at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.
19-21 November 2025
CEITEC MUNI, University Campus, Building E35, Room 145
This course, organized by the MUNI MAFIL CEITEC Core Facility is designed for master’s and doctoral students specializing in human brain mapping, regardless of their primary academic background. While prior knowledge of brain mapping is beneficial, it is not mandatory. Participants will gain both theoretical and practical expertise in various neuroimaging techniques.
Registration and a course fee are required for participation.
