ABOUT NEMI
INFRASTRUCTURE
GOVERNANCE
Netherlands Electron Microscopy Infrastructure
NEMI ensures access to the most advanced electron microscopy (EM) technologies for all researchers in the life and materials sciences.
Our mission is to accelerate innovations in EM, enabling novel applications of societal and economic importance.
What is Electron Microscopy?
Electron Microscopy (EM) allows us to see the smallest details, visualizing molecules and materials at the highest resolution. This capability is crucial for addressing critical issues in Life Sciences, such as understanding diseases like cancer and dementia, and in Material Sciences, such as developing nanomaterials to tackle challenges like climate change and biodiversity.
Life Sciences EM
EM is essential for exploring biological structures at both cellular and molecular levels. It has uncovered how human cells are compartmentalized by membranes, each with specialized functions that coordinate diverse processes. Innovations in cryo-EM, which operates at extremely low temperatures, allow us to view proteins and protein complexes in their native cellular environments at atomic resolution. This provides critical insights into disease mechanisms (e.g., cancer cell transformation, brain aging) and human development (e.g., stem cell differentiation and renewal).
Recent advancements in automated 2D (large-scale EM) and 3D (volume-EM) imaging have opened new possibilities for revealing cellular architectures within their complex environments, such as tumors and entire brains. Cryo-EM has not only revolutionized academic research but has also been embraced by the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. It bridges the gap between molecular and cellular research by covering a key resolution and spatial range.
Life Sciences EM. Left and middle panel: Artist impressions highlighting that EM has led to understanding the basic concept of life by revealing processes at the cellular (left) and molecular (centre) level. Individual proteins within the native environment of the cell can be imaged by EM. Right panel: EM image color coding distinct compartments in the cell.
Materials Science EM
EM is unparalleled in imaging the atomic structure of materials with sub-nanometer resolution. It also maps chemical composition and electronic properties in 2D or 3D at the nanometer scale. These capabilities are crucial for research in various fields:
- Geosciences, Metallurgy, Catalysis, Semiconductors (Hard Matter): Detailed atomic characterizations.
- Polymeric Materials, Tissue Regeneration, Foods (Soft Matter): Insights into material properties.
- Colloids: Studying materials where soft and hard matter intersect.
By providing these detailed characterizations, EM supports advancements in diverse scientific and industrial domains.
EM for materials science. Nanomaterials are nowadays abundantly used in displays, batteries, and solar cells, and as catalysts for efficient conversion of energy resources. Characterization and development of these nanostructured materials requires imaging at the level of individual atoms, which can be achieved with the newest generation of aberration-corrected electron microscopes.
Our Network
NEMI’s infrastructure comprises a distributed network of local EM Nodes and unique Flagship Nodes. These nodes offer state-of-the-art EM technologies that require specific expertise and expensive equipment. Our network enables comprehensive imaging across various length, resolution, and time scales, integrating with light microscopy and proteomics.
What We Offer
- Advanced Instrumentation: Access to cutting-edge EM technologies.
- Training and Support: Assistance with experiment design and data acquisition.
- Data Solutions: Innovative tools for data analysis and storage through our dedicated IT group.
- Collaboration: A platform for enhancing interactions, collaborations, and best practice exchanges within the Dutch EM community.
Our Vision
NEMI is committed to providing the latest EM technologies to a broad user base, ensuring that The Netherlands remains at the forefront of EM research and development.
We develop faster microscopes capable of handling larger volumes and multi-modal microscopes that combine EM with other critical information such as omics, fluorescence, and X-rays.
Addressing Social Challenges
High-end EM infrastructure is essential for developing smart drugs and materials. By understanding their nanostructure, we can design solutions to pressing social challenges, including smart drug development and advanced material creation.
Our Mission
NEMI ensures access to the most advanced electron microscopy (EM) technologies for all researchers in the life and materials sciences.
Our mission is to accelerate innovations in EM, enabling novel applications of societal and economic importance.
SISTER ORGANIZATIONS
