Cell Observatory
From molecule, to cell, to organism
Visualising structures of life
From molecule, to cell, to organism. Research at the Cell Observatory is about visualizing the building blocks of life. The ultimate goal is to understand human health and tackle disease. The aim is to understand these processes at all levels including molecular, cellular and the organ.
The studies carried out in the Cell Observatory use various microscopes and imaging methods. These are being used for developing and testing new drugs to treat patients with cancer, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disease or tuberculosis.
Many research topics
The research at the Cell Observatory is not limited to health studies. Research is also carried out to develop novel imaging methods, study plant and bacterial development as well as developing new dyes for fluorescence microscopy
Scientific research at a top level is only possible by joining forces. The Cell Observatory is a collaboration between several institutes of the Faculty of Science:
• Institute of Biology Leiden
• Leiden Institute of Chemistry
• Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Sciences
• Leiden Institute of Physics
• Leiden Academic Centre for drug research
The Cell Observatory is located in the new Gorlaeus building. It serves as a meeting place and shared facility for scientists from different institutes of the Faculty of Science. It is the ideal place for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Leiden FAIR Cell Observatory
By applying the FAIR principles in data management and data analysis, as well as using OMERO for our data storage we aim to increase FAIRness and develop FAIR workflows. For expanding this to a broader audience we collaborate with other universities and Medical centres through NL-Bioimaging.
Bio imaging technology
The Cell Observatory houses cutting-edge bio imaging technology as well as cell culture and fish facilities. The aim is to visualise the dynamic structures of life: from molecule, to cell, to organism.