Nikon and EMBL launch technological development partnership supporting next-generation research

Contributing to next-generation microscope development in cooperation with an international research institute at the forefront of molecular biology

November 27, 2024

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation (Nikon) and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (hereafter, EMBL) have announced the formation of a new technological development partnership.
This partnership will accelerate the development of next-generation microscopy technologies that provide solutions to the complex challenges faced by the global research community. It enables access to a wealth of research data and knowledge to create a basis for supporting cutting-edge technological innovation, and is expected to develop new technologies in previously nonexistent forms.
EMBL has 6 sites across Europe and is a prominent international research institute known for advancing our understanding of life at the cellular and molecular levels through cutting-edge research, tech development, bioinformatics, and training. Collaboration with EMBL is an important partnership for carrying out technological development that incorporates the latest research results in the field of molecular biology in real time and directly reflects the needs of researchers. The new framework agreement, developed by EMBL’s technology transfer arm EMBLEM (EMBLEM Technology Transfer GmbH), is based on the long-term collaborative interaction between EMBL and Nikon and previous project-based collaborations.
Under this partnership, Nikon plans to test the latest technologies at the earliest stage of market entry in order to obtain and incorporate obtained feedback in further technological development. Thus, we will aim to not only contribute to the development of Nikon's next-generation microscopes, but also promote the scientific progress.

Nikon is also one of the founding members in EMBL’s Corporate Partnership Programme and has already helped with its 13 year long commitment to support thousands of young scientists to improve their career prospects. EMBLs’ Corporate Partnership Programme cultivates long-term fruitful relationships between the corporate partners and EMBL focusing on a common goal of enabling EMBL to execute another important mission of delivering world-class on-site training and scientific conferences.

“Nikon has been both a scientific collaborator and a generous EMBL partner, supporting young scientists through our Corporate Partnership Programme from the very beginning,” said Edith Heard, EMBL Director General. “This newest commitment to collaboration makes everyone a winner. We will see next-generation microscopes and the best new technology concepts progress more quickly.”

This partnership will see Nikon design engineers and EMBL researchers working closely together to expand research possibilities through direct interaction, with the aim of creating innovative new technologies that will contribute to progress across the scientific community.

[Comment from Masayuki Numako, Nikon Europe B.V., Director & Executive Vice President Head of Healthcare Business Division]

From Nikon's point of view, basic research around the world is becoming more and more dynamic in terms of cutting-edge research, applications and innovations, and we are delighted with this collaboration with EMBL which will enable us to anticipate future requirements and accelerate the delivery of key solutions to the research community to improve the quality of life.

Furthermore, by having the latest technologies rapidly tested in the lab, Nikon will receive valuable feedback from researchers in the field that can be incorporated into technological developments.
Through this initiative, Nikon aims to continue to develop high-quality products that meet the expectations of researchers, and serve as a strong partner that supports their research.

The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.

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