An extensive range of advanced fluorescence imaging systems (including confocal, widefield, multiphoton, super-resolution microscopy, TIRF and FLIM) are positioned alongside high specification electron microscopes (TEM and SEM) to provide exceptional opportunities for microscopy applications. 

The facility was formed in 2008 by the merger of the MRC Cell Imaging Facility (established 1996), with EM facilities in the Department of Physiology, and the acquisition of new laboratory space and equipment (LM and EM systems) funded by the Wolfson Foundation and the University of Bristol. The facility has grown substantially with several light microscope systems funded by MRC, BBSRC and University sources, and in 2016 expanded into a newly refurbished microscopy suite funded by the Wolfson Foundation.

In 2017 a new GW4 facility for high-resolution electron cryo-microscopy opened in the Life Sciences Building and is affiliated with the Wolfson Bioimaging Facility.

The facility’s user base encompasses many of the university’s major research areas, including cell biology, neuroscience, cardiovascular science, infection and immunity, cancer research, synthetic biology and nanoscience.

Our dedicated and highly experienced support teams can provide advice on all stages of microscopy projects from sample preparation through image acquisition to analysis.