The EU-funded IMAGINE project is developing advanced microscopy technology for studying biological samples. IMAGINE will use these technologies to tackle societal challenges in Europe's seas and make them accessible to the life science community through validation and training.

The iMaging project will develop the next generation of scale-crossing imaging technologies to enable an integrated investigation of structure and function of biological systems. It will focus on developing and integrating four major disruptive microscopy technologies, namely: X-ray imaging, cryo electron microscopy, cryo and dynamic super-resolution microscopy and large volume intravital light microscopy. 

A Horizon Europe project
Project dates: 1st May 2023 to 30th April 2028
EMBRC role : partner
Funding: €9,569,677.50 
Grant agreement number: 101094250

It will furthermore develop the AI-powered image analysis and data integration/sharing capabilities, that are needed to correlate these technologies and make their data widely available. To harness their power for some of the most pressing societal challenges, iMagine will prepare its new imaging technologies to be deployed in the field, on Europe’s seas and coastlines, so that the collection of environmental specimen in their natural context can be coupled with their study by highest resolution imaging technologies.

IMAGINE project aims to democratize cutting-edge imaging tech for European life science community. By validating and training, it plans to integrate these technologies into Research Infrastructures (RI), promoting open innovation between academia and industry. This will empower groundbreaking research to tackle future societal challenges.

 

Cordis factsheet

View the project website

Current projects
DOORS: Developing Optimal and Open Research Support for the Black Sea
PROJECT
DOORS, an EU-funded initiative, aligns with the Black Sea Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) to address challenges and foster Blue Growth in this unique marine basin. By harmonizing research, supporting start-ups, and shaping policy, DOORS aims to transform obstacles into opportunities, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for the Black Sea region.
Read more
BlueRemediomics: Harnessing the marine microbiome for novel sustainable biogenics and ecosystem services
PROJECT
The EU-funded BlueRemediomics project aims to unlock the vast potential of marine microbiomes for sustainable ecosystem services and biodiscovery. Using advanced technologies, it aims to understand the composition, interactions, and functions of marine microbes. BlueRemediomics will develop bioinformatics platforms, innovative culturomics, and high-throughput screening tools to identify natural products. It promotes responsible exploitation, equitable access, and ocean literacy while fostering aquaculture and ecosystem health.
Read more
BIOcean5D: Marine biodiversity assessment and prediction across spatial, temporal and human scales
PROJECT
BIOcean5D is a collaborative effort among European institutions to explore marine biodiversity comprehensively. With cutting-edge technologies and extensive research, it aims to understand and preserve marine ecosystems amidst rapid changes in the Anthropocene era. This initiative will generate valuable data, inform ecological theories, develop indicators of ecosystem health, and foster sustainable management of oceans.
Read more
ANERIS: operAtional seNsing lifE technologies for maRIne ecosystemS
PROJECT
ANERIS, funded by the EU, designs Operational Marine Biology to systematically measure ocean life. It combines advanced tools like genomics, bio-optics, and participatory sciences. Through innovation and collaboration, it supports academia, industry, governments, civil society, and research infrastructures, promising enhanced observational systems and innovative life-sensing technologies.
Read more
AgroSERV: Integrated SERvices supporting a sustainable AGROecological transition.
PROJECT
AgroServ, an EU-funded initiative, pioneers a holistic approach to understand and address challenges in agriculture. By integrating diverse stakeholders and employing transdisciplinary research, it aims to foster resilient and sustainable agroecological systems across Europe. Through living labs, data ecosystems, and community building, AgroServ strives to empower farmers and researchers alike, ensuring impactful insights for evidence-based policymaking and long-term sustainability.
Read more
eDNAqua-Plan: supporting aquatic biodiversity monitoring systems
PROJECT
eDNAqua-Plan seeks to gather information on aquatic monitoring projects, assessing standardization efforts, and evaluating the feasibility of creating a FAIR-based digital ecosystem for eDNA repositories and a dynamic species reference library to support future biodiversity monitoring initiatives in marine and freshwater ecosystems.
Read more
Atlantic ECOsystems assessment, forecasting & sustainability
PROJECT
The EU-funded AtlantECO project aims to develop and apply a novel, unifying framework that provides knowledge-based resources for a better understanding and management of the Atlantic Ocean and its ecosystem services. Focus areas include: microbiomes, plastic and the plastisphere, and seascape connectivity.
Read more