I4A – Imaging for All

Scientists in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) will get grants to travel to high-quality imaging facilities abroad, use advanced microscopes, and train alongside experts. This matters because advanced biological imaging—such as super-resolution microscopes or electron microscopes—is often unavailable or unaffordable in LMICs. Without access, researchers in these countries cannot participate in cutting-edge life science research, limiting their ability to study diseases, develop diagnostics, or contribute to global scientific progress. The project, called I4A – Imaging for All, run by Global BioImaging, directly addresses this financial and infrastructural gap. If successful, the programme will fund dozens of scientists to visit certified imaging facilities in partner countries for hands-on access and job shadowing. It will also open training courses to external participants. The result could be stronger international research collaborations, knowledge exchange, and capacity building in imaging sciences. This may ultimately improve medical diagnostics and research capacity in LMICs, while also advancing imaging techniques and infrastructure in partner countries. The second half of the project will analyse user feedback and impact to help Wellcome Trust and Global BioImaging assess whether the model works and should continue.