Training a new generation of biologists in quantitative bioimaging with Microtutor

About This Grant

Project Summary Despite extraordinary technological advancements in biology, light microscopy remains unrivaled for observing cell behavior at scale and at different scales, ranging from the structure and kinetics of subcellular molecules, over whole tissues, to the dynamics of entire developing organisms. This ability to visualize single cells, track samples over time, and detect interactions has made it a critical tool for scientific discovery. Light microscopes are also widely accessible, with ~44% of NIH “Shared Instrumentation” (S10) grants from 2013-2022 awarded for “Biomedical Imagers” or “Optical Instruments” (NIH ORIP). However, microscopy’s historical use as a qualitative tool means the potential to combine it with bioimage analysis for high-quality, quantitative data remains underutilized. This is particularly evident in bioimage analysis, where many trainees report low computational proficiency and discomfort in developing these skills. Current training is often self-directed, leading to inconsistent quality and expertise distribution. This has created a serious gap in biomedical research training. We recently launched Microtutor, an innovative online platform that leverages interactive learning technologies for microscopy and bioimage analysis education. Using H5P, the platform connects short video lessons with interactive demonstrations and frequent mastery assessments. Curated by experts across the nation, the content encourages exploration through interactive visualizations. This proposal aims to expand Microtutor by adding new modules on microscopy best practices and bioimage analysis to address the growing community need. We will integrate state-of-the-art open-source image analysis tools like Piximi, further enhancing Microtutor’s role as a comprehensive resource for modern microscopy and bioimage analysis education. Additionally, we will utilize the course’s virtual, self-paced nature to offer nationwide “flipped-classroom” sessions, partnering with colleges and universities to host live Q&A sessions and guest speakers, making expert-led learning accessible to all researchers. With the increasing types of large-scale microscopy applications—such as light sheet microscopy, spatial transcriptomics, and high-throughput multiwell plate imaging—there has never been a more critical time to ensure researchers follow best practices and interpret data effectively. Microtutor’s flexibility and power will allow experts in microscopy and image analysis to share this knowledge with the entire NIGMS community and raise the quality of bioimaging research in hundreds of laboratories nationwide and meet a significant need in the biomedical research workforce.