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27.02.2026The CCiTUB participate in the Kick-off of Euro-BioImaging Spain and consolidate leadership in advanced imaging
On February 20th, the official Kick-off of Euro-BioImaging Spain, the Spanish node of the European infrastructure Euro-BioImaging ERIC, dedicated to offering open access to advanced imaging technologies for biomedical, biological, preclinical, and clinical research, was held at the Institut d’Estudis Catalans.
The event brought together scientific institutions, institutional representatives, and international experts in the biomedical imaging sector, and marked the operational launch of this national infrastructure, which integrates some of the most advanced nodes in Europe in advanced optical microscopy, electron microscopy and cryo-EM, mesoscopic imaging, radiology and medical imaging, as well as data analysis and artificial intelligence applied to imaging.
The event was attended by Inmaculada Figueroa, representative of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, and John Eriksson, director of Euro-BioImaging. Dr. Maria Calvo, from the Cellular Analysis Unit of the CCiTUB and from the node specialized in live-cell microscopy and in vivo microscopy Barcelona Live and Intravital- Advanced Light Microscopy Node (BLivIN), also participated as chair of the talks in the block “Image Analysis and Artificial Intelligence for Multimodal Image Data”.
A national ecosystem with a strong presence in Barcelona
Euro-BioImaging Spain is established as a single access point for academic researchers, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology firms that require cutting-edge imaging technologies without the need to invest in their own equipment.
Within this ecosystem, Barcelona has a prominent role with three specialized platforms: Super-resolution, Mesoscopic, and Live & Intravital. In this latter field, the University of Barcelona participates actively through the Scientific and Technological Centers of the UB (CCiTUB).
BLivIN: the live-cell and in vivo imaging node
The UB, through the CCiTUB, is part of the Euro-BioImaging ERIC and coordinates the node specialized in live-cell microscopy and in vivo microscopy, the Barcelona Live and Intravital – Advanced Light Microscopy Node (BLivIN), together with IRB Barcelona and the CRG.
This node provides access to state-of-the-art technologies for the dynamic study of biological processes in living systems, integrating infrastructures, technical expertise, and specialized scientific support.
Specialization in live-cell imaging, high content screening, and in vivo imaging
The BLivIN node integrates the expertise of the Advanced optical microscopy (MOA) service of the Cellular Analysis Unit of the CCiTUB, located at the Clínic Campus of the University of Barcelona.
From the CCiTUB, the UB offers advanced services in:
- Live-cell microscopy with ral-time monitoring of dynamic cellular processes such as cell division, migration, cellular interactions, or responses to stimuli and treatments.
- High Content Screening (HCS) microscopy, automated high-throughput assays allowing large-scale quantitative multiparametric analysis. This technology is key for drug discovery studies, therapeutic target validation, and image-based functional screenings, integrating automation, massive data acquisition, and advanced analysis.
- Intravital microscopy and in vivo imaging, that Allows the study of biological phenomena in their physiological context, providing essential information on tissue dynamics, tumor microenvironment, immune response, or development.
This activity is carried out in coordination with the In vivo studies and support for research committees (UEIV) of the CCiTUB, which ensures compliance with the ethical and technical standards required for studies in animal models, and for which Advanced Optical Microscopy acts as an accredited satellite service.
Recently, the service has strengthened its technological capabilities with the incorporation of new high-end equipment, including:
- High Content Screening Opera Phenix system (Revvity)
- Multiphoton Ultima 2Pplus system (Bruker)
- Automated widefield fluorescence microscope THUNDER (Leica)
These additions enhance functional analysis, deep imaging in living tissues, and dynamic studies in vivo models, consolidating the strategic positioning of the node within the European Euro-BioImaging network.
European projection and boost to research
With the launch of Euro-BioImaging Spain, the country strengthens its position within the major European scientific infrastructures recognized by ESFRI. For the CCiTUB and the University of Barcelona, this milestone consolidates their role as a reference in advanced optical microscopy, functional imaging, and studies in living systems, facilitating new international collaborations and expanding the research community’s access to state-of-the-art technologies.
Active participation in this infrastructure will continue driving innovation, knowledge transfer, and the development of high-impact projects in biomedicine and life sciences.