Czech-BioImaging welcomed Prof. Radomír Pánek, President of the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), during his visit to the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IMG CAS), home to the Czech-BioImaging Hub and two Czech-BioImaging imaging facilities.
The visit was part of the President’s recently launched series of visits to CAS institutes, aimed at strengthening dialogue across the Academy and gaining first-hand insight into the activities and challenges of its research institutions. More information about the initiative is available on the website of the Czech Academy of Sciences: https://www.avcr.cz/cs/veda-a-vyzkum/chemicke-vedy/Radomir-Panek-zahajil-navstevy-pracovist-chce-posilit-jednotnost-Akademie-ved/
During the visit, Prof. Pánek delivered a lecture entitled Activities of the Academy Council and Strategic Priorities introducing the current priorities of the Academy and discussing topics relevant to the future development of Czech research. After that he met with Czech-BioImaging Director Prof. Pavel Hozák, members of the Czech-BioImaging Hub team, and staff of the Electron Microscopy Core Facility and the Light Microscopy Core Facility, both part of the Czech-BioImaging network.
Representatives of Czech-BioImaging introduced the infrastructure’s nationwide network of imaging facilities, its user community, and the services it provides to researchers from academia and industry. The discussion also highlighted the role of research infrastructures in supporting scientific excellence and technological innovation in the Czech Republic.
As part of the programme, the Electron Microscopy Core Facility presented its unique workflow for solving protein structures from individual intercellular protein crystals, recently described in a Nature Communications publication. The workflow enables sidestepping laborious purification steps and utilization of more accessible cryoEM equipment instead of large scale synchrotron facilities.
The Light Microscopy Core Facility showcased its portfolio of advanced imaging technologies and introduced the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) developed to support image processing and data management. The system provides users with access to high-performance virtual workstations, a dedicated deconvolution server, and both short-term high-speed and long-term storage resources, enabling efficient handling and analysis of increasingly large imaging datasets.
The visit provided an opportunity to demonstrate how Czech-BioImaging supports researchers through access to cutting-edge imaging technologies, expert support, training, and data-processing solutions. We appreciate the opportunity to engage in dialogue with the leadership of the Czech Academy of Sciences and welcome initiatives that foster closer connections across the Czech research community.
The Czech-BioImaging community is deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Ivan Rektor, an internationally respected neurologist, neuroscientist, and pioneer of neuroimaging research. Professor Rektor passed away on 14 June 2026 at the age of 77 after a long illness. Throughout his distinguished career at Masaryk University, St. Anne’s University Hospital, and CEITEC, he made lasting contributions to the fields of epilepsy, movement disorders, cognitive neuroscience, and brain imaging. He also served as Vice-Rector of Masaryk University and was widely recognized as one of the leading figures of Czech and European neuroscience.
For Czech-BioImaging and the wider imaging community, Professor Rektor played an important role as the Czech Republic’s Scientific Delegate for Neuroimaging at Euro-BioImaging ERIC, a position to which he was appointed in 2019. In this role, he helped represent and strengthen the Czech neuroimaging community within the European research infrastructure landscape.
Over the course of his career, Professor Rektor helped establish advanced neurological and neuroimaging methods in the Czech Republic, led internationally recognized research programs, mentored generations of scientists and clinicians, and received numerous distinctions for his scientific achievements and lifelong contribution to neuroscience.
We extend our sincere condolences to his family, colleagues, students, and friends. His scientific legacy and commitment to advancing neuroimaging research will continue to inspire future generations.
Prague, 29 May 2026
The Czech Republic has reaffirmed its position within the leadership of one of Europe’s key research infrastructures. At the 14th meeting of the Euro-BioImaging ERIC Board, Professor Pavel Hozák, Director of the national research infrastructure Czech-BioImaging, was elected Vice-Chair of the Board, the organisation’s highest governing body. Euro-BioImaging ERIC brings together more than 300 state-of-the-art imaging facilities across 40 national nodes in 18 member states, providing researchers with access to cutting-edge technologies for biological and biomedical imaging. The election of a Czech representative to the infrastructure’s leadership confirms the Czech Republic’s significant role in the development of European research infrastructures and biological imaging.
Euro-BioImaging was established to provide scientists, clinicians and industry partners across Europe with access to advanced imaging technologies. Since obtaining ERIC status in 2019, it has developed into one of Europe’s leading infrastructures for biological and biomedical imaging. Today, it connects a network of 40 national nodes in 18 member states and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), and is among the established European research infrastructures included on the ESFRI Roadmap.
Since 2020, Euro-BioImaging has supported more than 1,260 research projects from Europe and beyond, becoming an important component of the European Research Area. In addition to providing access to unique imaging technologies, it offers expert consultancy, training, support in scientific data management, the application of artificial intelligence, and collaboration with industry partners.
“Euro-BioImaging demonstrates that sharing advanced technologies and expertise across Europe delivers results that individual countries would find difficult to achieve independently. I greatly appreciate the trust placed in me by the member states and look forward to contributing to the further enhancement of Euro-BioImaging’s activities, ensuring that the infrastructure continues to support excellent science and innovation through shared access to state-of-the-art imaging methods,” says Pavel Hozák, newly elected Vice-Chair of the Euro-BioImaging ERIC Board.
The Czech Republic participates in Euro-BioImaging through the national research infrastructure Czech-BioImaging, headquartered at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences. Czech-BioImaging brings together 16 leading imaging facilities across the country and provides access to more than 200 specialised instruments for biological and biomedical imaging. More than 1,300 researchers use its services each year.
Czech-BioImaging serves as the Czech national infrastructure for biological and biomedical imaging, while Euro-BioImaging ERIC represents its European counterpart. Membership of this infrastructure enables Czech institutions to participate in international projects, share advanced technologies and provide services to users from abroad. Czech teams also contribute to the development of new methods, training activities and European projects focused on open science and image data management.
Euro-BioImaging ERIC is managed through a central Hub and two specialised sub-Hubs dedicated to biological and biomedical imaging. This structure coordinates the network of national nodes, service development, training, data management and international collaboration.
The Board is the highest decision-making body of the infrastructure and includes representatives of all member states. Each country holds one vote and delegates both government representatives and experts from the scientific community. The Board therefore combines administrative and scientific perspectives in guiding the infrastructure’s development and determining its strategic direction.
“Euro-BioImaging ERIC is among Europe’s strategic research infrastructures that significantly strengthen the competitiveness of the European Research Area. Professor Hozák’s election to the leadership of the Board reflects the high level of expertise within the Czech scientific community and the long-term contribution of the Czech-BioImaging infrastructure. It provides the Czech Republic with an opportunity to play an active role in shaping the future direction of this important European infrastructure,” says Jan Buriánek of the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.
The election of Pavel Hozák as Vice-Chair of the Board represents significant recognition of the long-standing work of the Czech biological imaging community and confirms the Czech Republic’s strong position among European partners in the field of research infrastructures.
The Czech Republic is represented in Euro-BioImaging ERIC by Czech-BioImaging through three national nodes: the Prague Node for Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy, the Brno Multimodal Imaging Node, and the Centre for Advanced Preclinical Imaging in Prague. Czech nodes are an active part of the European network, contributing not only to the provision of services for international users, but also to the development of new methods, training activities and international scientific collaboration.
Read the original article: https://www.eurobioimaging.eu/news/14th-euro-bioimaging-board-meeting/
4 – 6 June 2026
PVA EXPO Prague – Letňany
From 4–6 June 2026, Czech-BioImaging participated in Veletrh vědy 2026 (Science Fair 2026), the largest science outreach event in the Czech Republic, organized annually by the Czech Academy of Sciences. Held at PVA EXPO Prague in Letňany, the 10th anniversary edition brought together research institutes, universities, companies, and science enthusiasts for three days dedicated to discovery, experimentation, and dialogue between scientists and the public.
Spanning approximately 8,200 m² across two exhibition halls, the event featured nearly 100 interactive exhibits, science shows, workshops, and demonstrations covering a wide range of scientific disciplines. Designed for visitors of all ages, Veletrh vědy offers a unique opportunity to experience science firsthand and remains one of the most important science communication events in the Czech Republic.
This year, Czech-BioImaging shared an exhibition booth with the national research infrastructure CZ-OPENSCREEN under the umbrella of the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IMG CAS). Together, we presented the role of research infrastructures in supporting cutting-edge life science research and introduced visitors to the fascinating world of microscopy.
Throughout the event, visitors had the opportunity to explore both fluorescence and electron microscopy through interactive activities designed to make microscopy accessible and engaging. From observing fluorescently labelled samples to discovering the remarkable level of detail revealed by electron microscopes, participants gained insight into the tools scientists use to investigate the microscopic world and answer important biological questions. The activities highlighted how advanced imaging technologies support research across a wide range of life science disciplines.
The booth welcomed several distinguished guests, including Senator Jiří Drahoš, President of the Czech Academy of Sciences Radomír Pánek, and IMG Director Petr Dráber, who took the time to learn more about the activities of Czech-BioImaging and CZ-OPENSCREEN and meet the teams behind the infrastructures.
The success of our participation would not have been possible without the dedication of many colleagues. We would like to thank our PhD students, staff members, and colleagues from the IMG LM and IMG EM Core Facilities, whose enthusiasm, expertise, and commitment helped create an engaging and inspiring experience for visitors throughout the three days of the event.
We also extend our sincere thanks to Specion for their technical support and for providing microscopy equipment that enabled visitors to experience microscopy firsthand.
Finally, we would like to thank everyone who visited our booth and shared their curiosity, questions, and enthusiasm for science. Events such as Veletrh vědy play an important role in connecting researchers with the public, promoting scientific literacy, and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
We look forward to participating in future outreach activities and continuing our mission of bringing advanced microscopy closer to researchers, students, and the wider public.
Highlights from Czech-BioImaging’s participation at Veletrh vědy 2026, including microscopy demonstrations, interactive activities for visitors, and visits by distinguished guests.
25 June 2026
Institute of Molecular Genetics, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20, Prague
Dear Users,
we warmly invite you to join us for an afternoon and evening in an unusual setting, away from the dark microscopy rooms. The event will offer discussions not only about microscopy, but also entertainment, good food, and refreshing drinks. Together, we will celebrate another successful year of collaboration and perhaps recharge for the year ahead. The event is organized by the Prague microscopy facilities united within the Czech-BioImaging infrastructure and the Prague Node of Euro-BioImaging ERIC and hosted by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IMG).
We kindly ask everyone planning to attend to register in advance. This will help us estimate the required amount of food and drinks. After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail, which will also serve as your entry pass to the Krč campus at the main gate.
Deadline: 18 June 2026
Looking forward to seeing you!
Organizing Team
23 – 25 June 2026
Czech Republic, Portugal, Sweden, UK
Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
This course is jointly organised by four Euro-BioImaging Nodes and will be run at four connected training centres that are part of Euro-BioImaging:
This course is organised under the EVOLVE project (Grant agreement N° 101130986) as part of Euro-BioImaging’ effort in increasing the adoption of hybrid training thus combining the advantages of remote and in-person training.
This distributed course will be held in person at the four locations and the four local training hubs will be remotely connected and jointly going through the training programme provided each day by one of the sites.
This means that students can enjoy the advantages of small in-person training – connecting with their fellow students and direct support from their trainers – as well as being connected on an international level and benefit from the training and image analysis expertise at all the training centres.
The course is designed for life science researchers with some Image Analysis experience who want to push their analysis capabilities to the next level by using Python and Jupyter Notebooks, as well as implementing and applying analysis tools developed by the community for their image analysis challenges.
Financial support to cover travel and accommodation (Max. 500 EUR per person) is available upon request and for a limited number of participants.
Registration is open until April 15th, and local travel grants are available here.
The BioImaging Facility at the Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IPHYS) has recently expanded its technological portfolio with a new Brillouin microscopy system. The acquisition was made possible through the OP JAK project funded by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (MEYS) and represents a strategic investment into progressive technologies that were previously not available in open access within Czech-BioImaging or elsewhere in Czechia. As part of the national infrastructure Czech-BioImaging and the Euro-BioImaging Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy Prague Node, the facility now offers Brillouin microscopy in open access to the scientific community.
Šimon Vrana, Imaging Specialist at IPHYS BioImaging Facility supports users in applying advanced biophysical imaging methods to their research questions: “I am specialized in Atomic Force Microscopy, Brillouin and other biophysical methodologies. My role in the facility is to support our users with different imaging approaches to address scientific questions in this field of biomechanics.”
Brillouin microscopy is an emerging optical modality that enables non-contact, label-free mapping of mechanical properties in biological samples. The technique measures the interaction between laser light and thermally driven acoustic waves within a sample, providing information about its internal mechanical characteristics.
By extracting parameters such as the longitudinal elastic modulus and viscoelastic behavior, researchers can investigate how stiffness and mechanical heterogeneity influence biological systems. This is particularly relevant because changes in mechanical properties are often associated with development, differentiation, and disease.
Although Brillouin microscopy has been widely used in cell and tissue research, the first users of the new system at IPHYS are working in plant biology. Current projects include measurements on Physcomitrella moss provided by Imaging Facility Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, comparing genetically modified lines with wild-type counterparts.
The system is suitable for a broad spectrum of samples:
In general, any sample compatible with confocal microscopy can be investigated, provided it is sufficiently transparent and preferably adherent.
The facility invested in a commercial Brillouin microscope (Discoverer, CellSense) to ensure reliability, robustness, and accessibility for users. Unlike many custom-built systems, the commercial platform enables streamlined operation and faster onboarding.
“We want to offer Brillouin Microscopy as a service, and the CellSense system is very reliable and user-friendly. After a short training and some troubleshooting, users should be able to measure samples themselves.”
This strategic choice allows Czech-BioImaging to provide sustainable open access to technology without the need for extensive in-house development and maintenance.
A key advantage of the IPHYS setup is its integration of Brillouin microscopy with spinning disk fluorescence microscopy, including the Yokogawa SoRa super-resolution system. This multimodal configuration enables researchers to correlate mechanical mapping with high-resolution fluorescence imaging.
In practice, this means that users can:
“Users can examine a cell sample stained with fluorescent dyes, identify a protein of interest, and then shift to Brillouin microscopy to measure local viscoelastic properties without dyes or mechanical probes.”
Beyond Brillouin imaging, the facility provides access to confocal and multiphoton microscopy, FLIM, PLIM, light-sheet imaging, and mechanical testing approaches such as AFM and compression, biaxial tensile testing—allowing comprehensive multimodal experimental design.
The facility primarily supports projects where biomechanics plays a central role in the biological question. Researchers can investigate:
By integrating Brillouin microscopy into broader imaging workflows, scientists can better understand how physical properties shape biological function.
As part of Czech-BioImaging, the IPHYS BioImaging Facility operates under a 100% open-access policy and provides comprehensive user support.
Services include:
While commercial software provides basic Brillouin data processing, the facility also supports advanced workflows using third-party tools such as Fiji and develops customized solutions in C++, C#, or Python when required.
With the introduction of Brillouin microscopy, Czech-BioImaging strengthens its position within Euro-BioImaging ERIC.
The combination of:
makes the IPHYS BioImaging Facility a unique access point for researchers interested in biomechanics-driven biological questions in Czechia and Europe.
21 – 23 April 2026
Institute of Molecular Genetics, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20, Prague
The international conference Vision for Life – Innovation Days in Bioscience Imaging will bring three
days of intensive knowledge exchange, technological innovation, and hands-on experience in
advanced microscopy and biological imaging to Prague.
The event will take place at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences
(IMG). It is organized by Specion (an authorized distributor of Leica Microsystems) in collaboration
with IMG.
The conference is fully supported by the Light Microscopy Core Facility at IMG, which is part of the
Czech BioImaging national research infrastructure and a member of the Prague node of Euro-
BioImaging, the European research infrastructure for biological and biomedical imaging.
Pavel Hozák, Director of Czech BioImaging, will contribute to the program with a presentation titled “Czech-BioImaging – The National Imaging Platform for All,” introducing the national research infrastructure and its mission to provide open access to state-of-the-art imaging technologies.
The program will feature:
The main keynote speakers of this year’s edition include:
The conference will connect the scientific community, technology partners, and core facility
professionals, creating a platform to discuss current challenges and future directions in bioscience
imaging at both the national and European level.
For any questions regarding the organization of the event, please contact Martin Kopecky (Specion),
main organizer.
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.
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
