Combinatorial NeuroImaging Core Facility

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The Leibniz-Institute for Neurobiology is an internationally renowned research center for neurobiology. It focuses on the mechanisms of learning and memory at all functional and organizational levels of the brain. For this purpose, it hosts several large-scale imaging devices in two Special Labs for Non-invasive Brain Imaging and for Electron and Laserscanning Microscopy. These Special Labs operate the instruments, provide service to the local research groups and perform own research.The DFG-funded Combinatorial NeuroImaging Core Facility (CNI) was established in October 2012. Its overall goal is the professionalization of operation and service of the costly research instrumentation and the establishment of a neuroimaging infrastructure and dialogue platform. The imaging modalities operated by the CNI are part of the above mentioned special labs and include techniques on different scales from human imaging via animal imaging to advanced light- and electron microscopy. Since its establishment, the core facility was upgraded with a 3 Tesla MR scanner and a multi channel 3D STED. A 9,4 Tesla animal MR scanner will be added in 2016/17.The services offered include the comprehensive support of scientific projects in the field of neurobiology, trainings in the safe and competent operation of the equipment, support in data collection and analysis as well as workshops and conferences that enable an application oriented knowledge transfer and a comprehensive networking. The aim of this concept is to foster collaborative research that bridges the different levels of brain imaging, thus generating synergistic effects. More than 90 projects including 20 from external users have been realized.For optimal user service, transparent procedures for access and a web based application form have been developed. A standardized online booking system for all imaging modalities was established, a billing system and quality assurance were introduced. Regular trainings and workshops are offered, best practice manuals, tutorials, protocols and a wiki have been created. The CNI maintains a comprehensive networking with the local, national and international imaging community. In 2013, the CNI participated in the first Call for nodes of Euro-BioImaging. Its Expression of interest gained the best possible result highly recommended.For the years 2016/17 the overarching goal of the CNI is the further professionalization of its work with a special focus on the continuation and extension of the core facility services. Particularly, we plan the integration of additional advanced instrumentation, the optimization of user services by extending the quality assurance with regard to user satisfaction, the further development of the IT support, the implementation of essential legal foundations for new collaborations and networking on national, European and international level, an extended offer of courses and trainings, and a sustainable financial model.