Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

Microscopy has undergone a digital revolution that has rapidly transformed the landscape for scientific discovery.  In this grant, digital CCD cameras accompanied with modern computer imaging and software are being requested for two heavily-used microscopes in a cross-departmental, multi-user core facility in Room B1-179, Department of Biology at the University of Waterloo.  These upgrades are necessary for maximizing the use of core infrastructure that was provided over a decade ago through successful NSERC grants for transmission electron microscopy (Philips CM10 100kV in 1991-1992) and multi-emission, real-time, light microscopy (Zeiss Axiovert 100 fluorescence microscope in 1994-1995).  In this grant application, a small fraction of the total infrastructure value of this well-utilized microscope facility is requested ($125,222 CAD), to upgrade this core facility at the University of Waterloo to a performance level that is necessary for standard microscopy research in the 21st Century. Digital imaging capabilities will provide scientific opportunities to many laboratories at the University of Waterloo: a) This upgrade provides enhanced capabilities for well-utilized microscopes, requested by 14 laboratories in five Departments at the University of Waterloo.; b) Purchase of the proposed digital CCD camera equipment is vital to research potential for University of Waterloo laboratories.; c) Digital imaging capabilities will increase the utilization and performance of the NSERC funded microscopes at the University of Waterloo.; d) Purchase of the digital CCD camera and ultra-fast capture will bring opportunities to capture real-time and fast biological events for the first time to the University of Waterloo.; e) Accessible, well maintained, core microscope facility is one-of-kind at the University of Waterloo for research.; f) Core microscopes are heavily used for training highly qualified personnel.