Getting started
The Microscopy Core Facility (MCF) provides researchers with access to advanced microscopy systems and expert support for a wide range of imaging applications. Whether you're working with cells, tissues, or live samples, we offer the tools and guidance needed to plan, acquire, and analyze high-quality images. Our goal is to help you get started quickly and make the most of our equipment and expertise.
We have different procedures for light microscopy and electron microscopy projects. Please choose the appropriate one for your request:
Select your EM usage status:
Step 1 (Electron microscopy)
First contact
You are interested in our services? To get started, please schedule an appointment with us to discuss your project goals and how we can tailor the workflow to your needs.
We kindly ask you to completed the project description form with any relevant information prior to the meeting.
Step 2 (Electron Microscopy)
Finalize your MCF registration
Read and fill the following documents and complete your registration.
Step 3
Register for the booking system
Please, visit the booking system website before the training and register for an account, if you do not have one yet.
Step 4 (for members of the medical faculty/UKB)
Register for the storage system
If you are a member of the Medical Faculty of Bonn University or of the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and you do not have access to the storage system yet, please register below.
Step 5 (Electron Microscopy)
Ordering
After the project discussion we will create a quote. Please check the quote and order it from within the booking system.
Step 6 (Electron Microscopy)
Sample transfer preparation
Before you can bring your samples we need the detailed information about the samples otherwise we cannot receive your samples.
Step 7 (Electron Microscopy)
Sample handover
Make an appointment for sample delivery and handover your samples at a specific location.
Step 8 (Electron Microscopy)
EM Imaging
After sample preparation we will schedule an appointment for imaging together at the EM. We do not train people for unassisted use at the EM but we are happy to operate it together with you.
Step 9 (Electron Microscopy)
Data transfer
The images are aquired as a service by the MCF. For data transfer we prefer the network storage in the research network. If you do not have access to this storage location, you can follow the below guide to share a cloud folder with us.
Address (NER)
Building 82
Address (BMZ 2)
Microscopy Core Facility
Building 12
Venusberg-Campus 1
53127 Bonn
Arrival by bus and train or map
From Bonn main station you can take the bus line 600 (direction Ippendorf Altenheim) and 601 (direction Venusberg) to the bus stop “Uniklinikum Hauptpforte" (BMZ 2) or "Uniklinikum Süd” (NER). Line 630 runs in the Bonn city area without stopping at the main station. Please use the night bus (N5) between midnight and 5:30 a.m.
The Core Facilities thank the German Research Foundation for continuous support.
