Nikon partners with Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
октября 6, 2011
Nikon Instruments Europe has launched a partnership agreement with the prestigious Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) in the field of multiphoton and super-resolution microscopy. The exclusive agreement is for the study and development of new methods in super-resolution fluorescence optical microscopy to promote the understanding of molecular activities underlying oncology and neurodegenerative diseases. Utilising new advanced microscopy systems for the study of biological systems, the agreement will introduce new practical applications for light microscopy, contributing to the IIT cutting edge research.
The collaboration has been developed within the Nikon ‘Partners in Research’ programme with the IIT Nanophysics Department. Researchers will be provided with Nikon latest state-of-the-art microscopy systems, useful for basic and advanced medical research, as well as for applications in nanobiotechnology. In particular, these new systems will be employed in the analysis of single molecule communication between the cells responsible for neuronal activities or metastasis processes, and also in the detailed examination of the possible accumulation of nanoparticles used in cosmetics in the human body by absorption through the skin.
Professor Alberto Diaspro, Director of the Nanophysics Department, commented ‘Such practical opportunities bring optical microscopy closer to electron microscopy, paving the way for use on living systems, from single cells to small animals and up to humans, in the next five years.’
Mr Sumio Eimori, President of Nikon Instruments Europe, emphasised the importance of this agreement within the Partners-in-Research programme, ‘Nikon’s main objective is the development of novel products. In order to achieve this in the right way, it is necessary for us to maintain a good dialogue and relationship with researchers in this area. We believe that this partnership with the IIT will prove a good indicator for the direction of our future projects.'
The high potential impact on business, not only in Italy but also in other countries, is another key factor of this IIT-Nikon collaboration. ‘This project with Nikon Italy is very important for the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, because it combines basic and applied research in a scientific field which is highly competitive at international level,’ added Roberto Cingolani, Scientific Director of the IIT.
The Isitituto Italiano di Tecnologia is a foundation established jointly by the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research and the Ministry of Economy and Finance to promote excellence in basic and applied research and to contribute to the economic development of Italy. The primary goals of the IIT are the creation and dissemination of scientific knowledge as well as the strengthening of Italy's technological competitiveness. To achieve these two goals, the IIT collaborates with both academic institutions and private organisations, fostering scientific development, technological advances and training in the latest technology.
