The Science and Technology Centres of the University of Barcelona (CCiTUB) have recently incorporated two new scientific facilities that strengthen research in the fields of biomedicine, life sciences and materials science. Specifically, these are a multimodal functional preclinical imaging system (SIMFp) and a state-of-the-art Dual-Beam FIB/SEM system. The infrastructures, valued at €1,039,347 and €1,228,000 respectively, have been funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the NextGeneration EU funds, under the 2021 call. (EQC2021 projects: 007451-P and 007336-P).
The multimodal functional preclinical imaging system ( SIMFp ), located in the In Vivo Studies Unit at the Bellvitge Campus, enables in vivo imaging of small animals and the simultaneous analysis of their anatomical structure, metabolic activity, molecular processes and cellular dynamics. It therefore combines high-sensitivity optical imaging with nuclear and tomographic imaging techniques. Its applications range from oncology to the development of new drugs. It also allows for the study of brain metabolism, neuroinflammation, synaptic activity or neurodegeneration. It is an essential tool for understanding diseases and validating new therapies, unique in Spain.
The state-of-the-art Dual-Beam FIB/SEM system has been installed in the Electronic Microscopy Unit at the Diagonal Campus. This system combines high-resolution technologies, sample preparation and advanced characterization in a single platform, making it a key tool for addressing emerging scientific challenges. One of its most notable capabilities is the acquisition of ultra-high-resolution images across a wide range of samples. Moreover, it allows simultaneous observation using electron and ion beams, a combination that significantly enhances the detail and precision of analyses. The equipment will drive research in materials science and life sciences.
