About us
Facilitating optical microscopy imaging and analysis of a wide range of microbiological, biological and biomedical specimens from single molecules and cells to larger tissues and smaller cleared organs.
The Microbial Imaging Facility (MIF) is a Faculty of Science (FoS) core imaging facility that provides and maintains research-grade and advanced light and fluorescence microscopes that facilitate impactful research in a wide range of microbiological, biological and biomedical applications.
The Microbial Imaging Facility (MIF) at UTS provides:
- High-resolution imaging of bacteria and parasites, and their interactions with host eukaryotic cells.
- High-resolution imaging of biological processes of and within larger eukaryotic cells.
- Training and on-going support on the use of both basic and advanced microscopes including:
- transmitted light
- wide-field fluorescence
- confocal laser-scanning
- super-resolution
- A range of image analysis and 3D-image visualisation software (ImageJ, FIJI, Huygens and Bitplane™ Imaris).
The Microbial Imaging Facility (MIF) is located within PC2 laboratories which allows analysis of both Class 2 pathogens and genetically modified organism (GMOs).
The facility is managed by the Director and Facility Manager and is supported by expertly trained microscopy staff. The MIF supports up to 200 users per annum by providing hands-on training at the microscope, on-going support through the Duty Microscopist Scheme and both guidance and training on image data management and analyses.
The MIF keeps researchers up to date with the latest imaging technologies by working closely with microscope companies and industry partners to showcase new innovations and imaging capabilities by organising webinars, workshops and in-house demonstrations both in-person and online.
The MIF is also a Linked Lab with Microscopy Australia.
The team
Imaging technologies
The MIF currently houses ten advanced imaging systems that provide transmitted light (bright-field), fluorescence, confocal, live-cell, super-resolution, 3D-imaging, high-content and high-throughput imaging modalities.
Publications
Browse our wide range of research contributions and findings.
User Access and Registration
Access to MIF equipment and services occurs via a registration process (that is renewed annually) that involves:
- An initial discussion about your project to ensure that we can meet your imaging requirements.
- Completion of a current registration form, acceptance of Terms and Conditions and authorisation from your supervisor.
- Induction into the PC2 laboratories (Level 7).
- One-on-one or group training on the microscopes and/or related software.
Once inducted, you can book microscopes and/or related software using the booking system.
If you have any other questions please contact the MIF team.
Additional resources
Contact Microbial Imaging Facility
To find out more about accessing the MIF facilities or for a MIF tour, please contact the MIF team directly.
A/Prof. Louise Cole
Dr Amy Bottomley