The Cell Imaging Network creates synergies to advance in vivo cell imaging. Cell-based therapies have become a major strategy in modern medicine. In such strategies, living cells are used to fulfil a variety of purposes. The living cells either fulfil the role as the “active drug component”, for instance in the use of immune cells for anti-cancer treatment strategies, or they are used in regenerative medicine approaches to repopulate/repair damaged tissues that have no or limited self regenerative capacity, or they fulfil the role as a drug delivery vehicle as a means to improve bio-compatibility and crossing of the blood-brain barrier.

For the development and validation of such cell-based treatment strategies, it is crucial that the fate and action of the administered cells can be monitored in vivo, thus creating the need for in vivo cell imaging techniques.

Mission & Aims

The mission of the Cell Imaging Network is to create an integrated network of chemists, biologists, physicists, computing scientists and physicians dedicated to the development and validation of robust imaging tools for in vivo cell imaging. The aim of the Cell Imaging Network is to promote exchange of knowledge and expertise and collaboration between research institutes, universities, medical centres and industry involved in cell therapy and cell imaging research.

Specific objectives include the initiation, coordination and support of collaborative research efforts, the organisation of workshops and symposia, training and education of young scientists through exchange programmes, as well as the creation of transnational access to state-of-the art equipment.

Contact:
Dr. Monique Bernsen
Director of the Cell Imaging Network
office@eibir.org