A Catalyst for Innovation and Collaboration

Since its launch in 2021, the EPFL Center for Imaging has aimed at fostering excellence in imaging at EPFLby offering its dynamic research community the best possible environment for creating and using advanced imaging technology. This vibrant community now includes more than 50 labs developing imaging technology, 130+ labs using imaging technology, 5 imaging facilities providing access to cutting-edge instruments, and hundreds of EPFL research staff and students in need of support and training.

By approaching imaging through a unifying lens across all scales, fields and applications — from nanoscopy to satellite imaging — the Center is unique in Europe (1). for its holistic vision. It nurtures a vibrant imaging network on campus and develops common solutions to shared problems. This interdisciplinary foundation also paves the way for new advances in imaging, driven by the interplay of various scientific and engineering disciplines. “Since many groundbreaking innovations in imaging often emerge at the crossroads of various fields, cross-fertilization is not only beneficial, but actually plays an essential role”, says Laurène Donati, Executive Director of the Center until July 1, 2025.

Gathering and Collaborating Around Imagery

Ten interdisciplinary collaborative grants have been awarded to encourage collaboration between EPFL labs. The first research outputs emerged in early 2024 and were further highlighted through a series of news articles and scientific publications. Another key highlight in gathering the global imaging community was the 2024 Latsis Symposium on Smart Microscopy, which brought together 150 international experts from microscopy, machine learning, and hardware development — a significant event for interdisciplinary networking. A survey conducted during the event highlighted the strong interest in seeing this type of gathering renewed. Finally, the EPFL Imaging Seminar Series brings global experts up to ten times a year to campus for inspiring, interdisciplinary talks with all sessions freely available on YouTube. For knowledge dissemination beyond the academic world, the Center regularly hosts exhibitions and events that bring scientific imaging to wider audiences, incl. the general public and high-school students.

Support for Research: Meeting a Growing Demand

To address the growing demand for image processing and analysis, the Center established the Hub for Image Processing and Analysis in 2022, led by Dr. Edward Andò. The Hub offers direct consulting and support to all EPFL scientists who need it. With an open-door policy, researchers can reach out at any time for expert guidance on imaging-related challenges. The Hub also develops impactful open-source tools — including DeepImageJ, Pyxu, and spam — which are downloaded over 7,000 times monthly. In addition, it leads initiatives to improve image data management across campus and offers on-site services to EPFL’s regional campuses through mobile Imaging Clinics.

On the education front, the Center launched the EPFL Minor in Imaging in 2023, offering Masters students a structured and interdisciplinary training program. Its popular Summer School in Image Analysis has trained 25 PhD students annually since 2022, while monthly Imaging Lunches have engaged over 500 PhD students and postdocs with hands-on tutorials and networking opportunities.

Expanding Ties with Industry

The Center is actively building bridges with industry. It works on launching a continuing education course on “Mastering Imaging in the Age of AI” in late 2025 to train professionals in imaging-heavy sectors such as pharmaceuticals, watchmaking, and environmental monitoring. A structured Industry Program is also in development to formalize long-term partnerships and support innovation through access to EPFL expertise.

Looking ahead, the Center aims to build on the momentum created over the past four years to strengthen EPFL’s leadership in imaging and broaden its international impact. With a growing network of collaborators, a strong foundation in interdisciplinary research, and a clear commitment to education and innovation, the Center and EPFL’s imaging community are well-positioned to keep making significant contributions to the future of imaging science. As it enters its next phase, the Center for Imaging will continue to serve as a catalyst for discovery, collaboration, and technological advancement— driving progress in imaging science both within Switzerland and globally.