Motivation:

Microscopy in high-biosafety-containment laboratories, such as Biosafety Level 3 and 4 (BSL3/4) facilities, plays a critical role in infectious disease research. Advanced imaging in BSL3/4 laboratories is essential for basic research on host-pathogen interactions, for pathogen discovery and diagnostics as well as for the development of early response strategies against emerging pathogens. A well-equipped and efficiently operated imaging infrastructure in BSL-3/4 environments therefore represents a strategic resource — not only for the research community but also in the context of public health and pandemic prepardness.

The Center for Integrative Infection Diseases Research (CIID) in Heidelberg, together with the CSSB Hamburg, have initiated the DFG-funded “Gerätezentrum” Heidelberg-Hamburg Infectious Diseases Imaging Association (HHH-IDIA), which aims to:

- Provide and streamline the access and operation of advanced imaging infrastructure in BSL3 laboratories

- Spearhead technological developments tailored to the specific requirements of high-biocontainment environments

- Foster a strong interdisciplinary community that includes researchers, imaging specialists, biosafety officers, industry partners, and regulatory authoritiesas 

More information can be found at https://www.hhh-idia.com/

Goal:

This symposium will bring together experts in high-biosafety-containment and advanced imaging to discuss current scientific and technological developments, as well as future needs in the field. Microscopy companies are particularly invited to share their perspectives on the challenges of developing, adapting and maintaining imaging instruments in high-biocontainment laboratories.The symposium will conclude with a moderated open forum, providing all participants the opportunity to exchange ideas, identify challenges, and define priorities for future developments. More details about the program are available here.

Registration:

The registration deadline is 1.5.2026. 

Participation is free of charge.

You can register here (or by clicking on the red "Register" button in the top right corner) 

The workshop is co-organised by the Infectious Diseases Imaging Platform (IDIP, https://www.idip-heidelberg.org/), Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research (CIID), Heidelberg University and Advanced Light and Fluorescence Microscopy (ALFM, https://www.cssb-hamburg.de/facilities/alfm/index_eng.html), Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Hamburg.