Next Generation Data Formats for BioImaging

Biological microscopy has always involved "imaging": images were initially hand drawn and with the advent of light-sensitive film, recorded and then reproduced on paper, but these recordings were difficult to use for scientific measurements. However, the application of digital detectors to microscopy and the rapid growth of computerised automation has spawned massive growth in the use of digital imaging in basic and clinical research. Unfortunately, our current generation of data formats and software tools are incapable of handling, sharing or publishing these new Big Image Data. To ensure imaging will continue to grow and contribute to discoveries in the biological and clinical sciences, we propose to develop new, scalable data formats and software that are open source and available for anyone to adopt and use. These new technologies will enable new ways of sharing, publishing and driving new discoveries with Big Image Data.