openScopesConnect Africa (OSCA): overcoming foundational barriers to imaging uptake with mobile microscopes and remote training capabilities.

Lack of local access to microscope equipment and imaging expertise pose significant barriers to implementing microscopy for bioresearch in under-resourced settings. While programs providing training and access to advanced microscopes boost regional capacity, their impact will remain limited without researchers’ ability to conduct initial pilot assays and imaging experiments in their local settings - an essential platform for testing ideas and planning larger projects.

This project takes a novel approach to addressing this challenge by developing a robust, mobile research microscope that can be deployed in targeted regions. Based on the modular openFrame system, this “openScope Traveller” will offer both brightfield and fluorescence imaging capabilities, with custom accessories to support flexible implementation in diverse local settings and research applications, such as histopathology, microbe and pathogen research, plant biology, and cell biology. Integrated video conferencing functionalities will connect remote users to expert training and support. The project pilot phase will focus on prototyping and field-testing of the core openScope Traveller at sites across South Africa. In the subsequent scale-up phase, stage deployment of these systems to 5 countries across Africa will allow further field testing and development, based on feedback from different regions and research needs.

This project aims to empower a diverse group of researchers in under-resourced to engage in biological imaging and tool development through access to shared roaming microscopes that can be adapted to their unique imaging needs. This will enable them to develop preliminary experiments, explore local research questions, and generate data to support funding applications and research opportunities.