There is a growing global movement to improve access to optical microscopy tools and training. Much of this work is funded by the Chan Zuckerburg Initiative (CZI) under a program called Expanding Global Access to Bioimaging, which awards 3-year grants to applicants in historically underfunded countries who are increasing the use of imaging technologies in biomedical sciences.
Lack of access to microscopy tools is one of the most important bottlenecks in the progress of science. Foldscope is one of the perfect examples of ‘frugal science’; an optical microscope composed from card stock and a lens costing less than $1 to produce.
With the increased sharing of microscopy resources and the Al engine that comes with it, other individuals can build on it to work on creating brand new applications, further advancing the progress of science.
Closer to home, in Singapore, SingaScope founded by Dr. Graham Wright, Director of A*STAR microscopy platform, is a nation-wide initiative that connects researchers throughout Singapore and facilitates sharing of expertise and equipment.
Full article can be accessed here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41592-024-02397-1
