2024/03/05

Agreement to strengthen the Basque Electron Microscopy Infrastructure

CIC nanoGUNE introduces the CRYO Plasma FIB, an advanced nanofabrication and electron microscopy instrument distinguished for its uniqueness in Europe and worldwide. Recently installed at the center, this equipment enhances research capabilities in fields such as materials science, low-temperature physics, lithium-ion batteries, and cryo-electron cellular tomography.

The CRYO Plasma FIB, funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities, adds to the Basque electron microscopy infrastructure, standing out for its versatility and unique applications in scientific research and industry.

This milestone coincides with the signing of an agreement between the four Basque cooperative research centers (CICs) - bioGUNE, biomaGUNE, energiGUNE and nanoGUNE - members of the BRTA alliance. The agreement aims to consolidate and jointly offer comprehensive electron microscopy services, fully connecting the Basque network of these centers.

Nicola Abrescia, Ikerbasque researcher and leader of the 'Virus Structure and Cell Biology' group at CIC bioGUNE, highlights the purpose of the agreement: "to fully connect the Basque electron microscopy network between the centers and jointly offer comprehensive services of interest to various research and industrial ecosystems in our environment."

With this initiative, the electron microscopy infrastructure of the CICs is solidified, opening its services to research groups, as well as the academic and industrial spheres, both locally and internationally. The signing of this agreement reinforces the commitment of these centers to strengthen collaboration and provide comprehensive solutions in the field of electron microscopy.

About CIC nanoGUNE

The Cooperative Research Center in Nanoscience, CIC nanoGUNE, located in San Sebastián, aims to carry out excellent research in nanoscience and nanotechnology to increase business competitiveness and economic development in the Basque Country. NanoGUNE is a member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA) and is also recognized as a María de Maeztu Excellence Unit by the State Research Agency.

About CIC bioGUNE

CIC bioGUNE, a member of the Basque Research & Technology Alliance (BRTA), headquartered in the Scientific and Technological Park of Bizkaia, is a biomedical research organization conducting cutting-edge research at the intersection of chemical, structural, molecular, and cell biology. It focuses on generating knowledge about the molecular bases of diseases for use in developing new diagnostic and prognostic methods and advanced therapies.

About Ikerbasque

Ikerbasque - Basque Foundation for Science - is the result of an initiative by the Department of Education of the Basque Government to reinforce the commitment to scientific research by attracting, recovering, and consolidating excellent researchers from around the world. Currently, it is a consolidated organization with 290 researchers working in various fields of knowledge.

About BRTA

BRTA is an alliance formed by 4 collaborative research centers (CIC bioGUNE, CIC nanoGUNE, CIC biomaGUNE, and CIC energiGUNE) and 12 technological centers (Azterlan, Azti, Ceit, Cidetec, Gaiker, Ideko, Ikerlan, Lortek, Neiker, Tecnalia, Tekniker, and Vicomtech) with the aim of developing advanced technological solutions for the Basque business fabric.
With the support of the Basque Government, the SPRI Group, and the Provincial Councils of the three territories, the alliance seeks to promote collaboration between its member centers, strengthen conditions for generating and transmitting knowledge to companies to contribute to their competitiveness, and project the Basque scientific and technological capacity abroad.
BRTA has a staff of 3,500 professionals, executes 22% of the R&D investment in the Basque Country, records an annual turnover of over 300 million euros, and generates 100 European and international patents each year.

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