Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis | Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis

Welcome to the Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis (ZMB) at the University of Zurich – your partner in advanced biomedical imaging. As a leading academic core facility, we provide researchers from academia and industry with access to state-of-the-art light and electron microscopy technologies, complemented by expert scientific support and training. Our mission is to empower your research through deep technical expertise, tailored services and a collaborative spirit. Whether you're developing new imaging strategies, exploring complex biological systems or training the next generation of scientists, ZMB is here to support you at every step. Join a vibrant scientific community where innovation meets precision – and where your research can reach its highest potential through imaging.

Primary neuronal co-culture stained with DAPI, FITC, Texas Red, and Cy5 to label nuclei and neuronal/glial markers. Image acquired using a Nikon spinning disk confocal microscope. Courtesy of Beatrice Gatta, Polymenidou Group, University of Zurich (UZH).
Welcome to the Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis (ZMB) at the University of Zurich – your partner in advanced biomedical imaging. As a leading academic core facility, we provide researchers from academia and industry with access to state-of-the-art light and electron microscopy technologies, complemented by expert scientific support and training. Our mission is to empower your research through deep technical expertise, tailored services and a collaborative spirit. Whether you're developing new imaging strategies, exploring complex biological systems or training the next generation of scientists, ZMB is here to support you at every step. Join a vibrant scientific community where innovation meets precision – and where your research can reach its highest potential through imaging.

Dividing COS-7 cells immunolabeled for α-Tubulin and TOMM20 to visualize microtubules and mitochondria, imaged with structured illumination microscopy (SIM).
Welcome to the Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis (ZMB) at the University of Zurich – your partner in advanced biomedical imaging. As a leading academic core facility, we provide researchers from academia and industry with access to state-of-the-art light and electron microscopy technologies, complemented by expert scientific support and training. Our mission is to empower your research through deep technical expertise, tailored services and a collaborative spirit. Whether you're developing new imaging strategies, exploring complex biological systems or training the next generation of scientists, ZMB is here to support you at every step. Join a vibrant scientific community where innovation meets precision – and where your research can reach its highest potential through imaging.

Cryosection of a Thy1-eGFP transgenic mouse brain, signal enhanced using an anti-GFP nanobody and imaged with structured illumination microscopy.
Welcome to the Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis (ZMB) at the University of Zurich – your partner in advanced biomedical imaging. As a leading academic core facility, we provide researchers from academia and industry with access to state-of-the-art light and electron microscopy technologies, complemented by expert scientific support and training. Our mission is to empower your research through deep technical expertise, tailored services and a collaborative spirit. Whether you're developing new imaging strategies, exploring complex biological systems or training the next generation of scientists, ZMB is here to support you at every step. Join a vibrant scientific community where innovation meets precision – and where your research can reach its highest potential through imaging.

U2OS cell transiently transfected with EMTB-tagged tubulin (microtubule-binding domain of ensconsin), visualized using structured illumination microscopy (SIM).
Welcome to the Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis (ZMB) at the University of Zurich – your partner in advanced biomedical imaging. As a leading academic core facility, we provide researchers from academia and industry with access to state-of-the-art light and electron microscopy technologies, complemented by expert scientific support and training. Our mission is to empower your research through deep technical expertise, tailored services and a collaborative spirit. Whether you're developing new imaging strategies, exploring complex biological systems or training the next generation of scientists, ZMB is here to support you at every step. Join a vibrant scientific community where innovation meets precision – and where your research can reach its highest potential through imaging.

African green monkey kidney cell expressing Lifeact-mNeonGreen, imaged with an Airyscan 2 confocal microscope.
Welcome to the Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis (ZMB) at the University of Zurich – your partner in advanced biomedical imaging. As a leading academic core facility, we provide researchers from academia and industry with access to state-of-the-art light and electron microscopy technologies, complemented by expert scientific support and training. Our mission is to empower your research through deep technical expertise, tailored services and a collaborative spirit. Whether you're developing new imaging strategies, exploring complex biological systems or training the next generation of scientists, ZMB is here to support you at every step. Join a vibrant scientific community where innovation meets precision – and where your research can reach its highest potential through imaging.

African green monkey kidney cell expressing Lifeact-mNeonGreen, imaged with an Airyscan 2 confocal microscope.

How We Support Your Research

Experimental Consultation

We offer expert guidance to help you choose the most suitable imaging modality, sample preparation method, and labeling strategy. Our team will work closely with you to refine experimental parameters, troubleshoot technical challenges, and develop solutions tailored to your specific research question and imaging goals.

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Training, Teaching and Tutorials

Our structured training program supports researchers at all experience levels. We combine theoretical background with hands-on sessions on our instruments. Whether you're learning a new technique or planning a complex multi-modal workflow, we’ll prepare you for confident, independent microscope use.

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Service & Collaboration

Need comprehensive support? We also offer microscopy and sample preparation as a full service. Whether you're looking for end-to-end project support or targeted assistance, our team is ready to collaborate and help you meet your scientific objectives.

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Independent Use

After completing the required training, users receive independent access to our advanced microscopy systems. Our open-access model allows you to schedule sessions flexibly and operate instruments autonomously. Expert support remains available when needed, so you can work efficiently while maintaining quality and safety.

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Microscopy Support Hub

New to ZMB?

Interested in using our microscopes for your project? Whether you're from academia or industry, register now to get started.

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IT Support

• Issues with virtual machine access
• Data storage problems
• Password reset assistance

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Microscopy application specialist

• Troubleshooting microscope issues
• Advice on sample preparation and protocol optimization
• Training requests (for registered users)
• Booking adjustments or cancellations
• Equipment availability and system questions

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Image Processing Specialist

• Image Analysis consulting
• Guidance on software and workflows
• Support for image processing pipelines
• Custom analysis solutions
• Requests for software installation or updates

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Administration

• General inquiries
• Service fee or billing
• Access card problems
• New access card requests (external users)
• Help with the user registration process

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Available Technologies

Confocal microscopy

Our confocal platforms enable high-resolution 3D imaging of fluorescent samples, with excellent optical sectioning and dynamic range. Available in multiple configurations including spinning disk, resonant scanning, and High-content screening, our systems are ideal for live-cell imaging, colocalization, and multi-channel experiments.

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Wide-field microscopy

Ideal for high-throughput imaging of large areas and multiwell plates, our widefield systems provide excellent sensitivity and speed. We support both transmitted light and fluorescence modalities, including live-cell imaging and automated acquisition tools for screening applications.

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Super-resolution microscopy

Push beyond the diffraction limit with ExM, Airyscan, SIM, STED, and single-molecule localization techniques. Our instruments allow nanometer-scale resolution for detailed investigation of subcellular structures, molecular complexes, and dynamic processes in 2D, 3D and 4D.

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Light-sheet microscopy

Fast and gentle volumetric imaging of large, optically cleared or live samples. Our lightsheet systems are optimized for long-term time-lapse imaging, developmental biology, and 3D tissue mapping, with minimal phototoxicity and high acquisition speeds.

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Spatial Biology / Multiplexing

Unlock the complexity of tissues with spatially resolved, multiplexed imaging technologies such as SeqIF, IBEX, 4i and CODEX. These platforms and protocols allow the detection of dozens of proteins or transcripts in a single sample, enabling deep phenotyping and spatial context at cellular resolution.

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Multiphoton microscopy

Enabling deep-tissue imaging in thick or scattering samples, multiphoton microscopy is ideal for intravital imaging and neuroscience applications. Our systems are equipped for second harmonic generation (SHG), FLIM, and live imaging of delicate specimens with minimal damage.

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Cryo-electron microscopy

For molecular-scale imaging of vitrified biological samples. We offer a complete cryo-EM pipeline including sample freezing, transfer, and high-resolution imaging suited for structural biology and cell architecture studies.

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Electron microsocpy (TEM & SEM)

From ultra-thin sections to whole-cell surface topology, our facility offers comprehensive imaging solutions at nanometer resolution. We support conventional resin-embedding workflows as well as cryo-preparation and correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM).

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Sample Preparation

Proper sample handling is critical for meaningful imaging. We provide dedicated infrastructure and protocols for cryo-fixation, chemical fixation, sectioning, and mounting including microfluidics, automated pipetting, coating, plunge freezing, high-pressure freezing, ultramicrotomy, and resin embedding.

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Image Analysis

High-quality imaging is only the beginning. We offer image processing and analysis services supported by powerful workstations, commercial and open-source software, and expert guidance in quantitative workflows, including machine learning and 3D analysis.

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