Developing a Latin American Light-Sheet Bioimaging Hub

Light-sheet microscopy is a powerful tool for performing 3D-imaging of intact living model organisms, tissues, and developing cells. Despite its potential for impact, several barriers have limited access to it in Latin America. This project aims to connect five labs at the Universidad Mayor (UM), five labs in other institutions in Chile, and four international labs to build a hub for light-sheet microscopy in Latin America.

The Light-Sheet Imaging at UM (LiSIUM) initiative seeks to leverage workshops, seminars and conferences, and expert scientists to promote the use of light-sheet microscopy and instruct researchers on how to assemble their own systems. LiSIUM will implement an innovative service for researchers to image samples remotely, in addition to annually leading training on UM’s Zeiss Light-sheet microscope and extra light-sheet systems. This project will combine experience and education by running concurrently with a world-class developmental biology course, which brings together experts in model organisms suitable for light-sheet imaging. With LiSIUM and the focus on education, the team seeks to comprehensively introduce the light-sheet microscopy paradigm to a new generation of scientists in Latin America.