Katharina Gaus Light Microscopy Facility

Who we are

The Katharina Gaus Light Microscopy Facility, is a dedicated team of scientists committed to advancing research through comprehensive support and training in microscopy. Our mission is to empower researchers with both fundamental and cutting-edge microscopy techniques to push the boundaries of scientific discovery.

We understand that high-quality imaging is crucial for scientific research, and provide support from initial consultation through to specimen preparation services, training in light microscopy, and image analysis and interpretation. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology to ensure the best possible results for your research.

Funding partners:

Capabilities

Transmitted & fluorescence light microscopy

Utilise advanced light microscopy to visualise samples with transmitted light or fluorescence labelling, enabling detailed study of cellular and molecular structures.

Histology services

Access comprehensive tissue preparation services, including fixation, embedding, sectioning, and staining, to prepare high-quality samples for imaging and analysis.

Optical sectioning

Create sharp 3D reconstructions of thick specimens by capturing optical sections using methods like confocal, multiphoton, and structured illumination microscopy.

Spatial transcriptomics & proteomics

Map gene and protein expression in tissues with spatially resolved techniques, linking molecular information to cellular architecture for comprehensive insights into biology and pathology.

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)

Investigate surface topography, mechanical properties, and nanostructures with atomic force microscopy, offering nanometer-scale resolution and material characterization.

2D & 3D tissue culture

Develop and study complex biological models with expertise in 2D and 3D tissue cultures, including organoids and spheroids, for imaging-based biomedical research.

Live cell imaging

Observe dynamic processes in real time with specialized imaging systems designed for live cells under controlled environmental conditions.

Super-resolution light microscopy

Push beyond the diffraction limit to resolve nanoscale structures with advanced super-resolution techniques, including STED, STORM, SIM, and Airy Scan.

Image analysis

Leverage advanced software tools for quantitative analysis, 3D reconstructions, segmentation, and visualization to turn complex imaging data into actionable insights.

Techniques

Lightsheet & clearing

Lightsheet microscopy with tissue clearing enables high-resolution, 3D imaging of large, intact samples. Clearing removes optical scattering, allowing deep visualization of structures while lightsheet illumination minimizes photodamage, making it ideal for studying complex tissues and organoids.

Tissue sectioning

Tissue sectioning allows detailed examination of internal structures by providing thin, uniform slices of samples. This is essential for studying tissue architecture, cellular organization, and pathological changes with high resolution.

Spatial transcriptomics & proteomics

Gain unprecedented insights into gene expression and protein distribution within intact tissue samples. Our spatial omics platforms combine high-resolution imaging with molecular profiling, enabling precise mapping of cellular functions in their native context.

Live cell imaging

Live cell imaging allows researchers to observe dynamic biological processes in real-time, providing insights into cellular behaviour, interactions, and responses to stimuli in their native environments. This is essential for understanding mechanisms like cell division, migration, and signaling.

Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM)

FLIM provides insights into molecular interactions, environmental conditions, and metabolic states by measuring fluorescence decay times, offering information beyond intensity-based imaging.

AFM

Our AFM systems provide nanoscale topographical and mechanical property mapping of biological and material samples, delivering high-resolution surface characterization beyond the limits of optical microscopy.

SIM

SIM offers super-resolution imaging with a two-fold improvement in resolution over conventional light microscopy, ideal for studying fine cellular structures and dynamic processes in living and fixed samples.

Instruments

The Leica Stellaris 8 is a state-of-the-art confocal microscope designed for advanced imaging applications. Equipped with a tunable white light laser, it provides flexible excitation across a wide range of fluorophores, enabling precise spectral imaging. The system also features Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) capabilities, offering insights into molecular interactions and environmental changes at the nanoscale. With its high sensitivity and resolution, the Stellaris 8 is ideal for multidimensional imaging of complex samples.

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The Zeiss Lightsheet 7 is a cutting-edge light sheet microscope optimized for imaging large, delicate, and cleared samples with minimal photodamage. Its unique optical design allows fast, high-resolution, and 3D imaging across a wide range of specimen types, from organoids and spheroids to whole embryos and tissues. The system supports advanced sample clearing techniques and accommodates specimens in a variety of refractive indices, making it ideal for long-term, multidimensional imaging in developmental biology and pathology research.

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The Luxendo InviSPIM Lattice Pro is a versatile multimodal light sheet microscope offering Gaussian, Bessel, and lattice light sheet illumination modes for tailored imaging across diverse sample types. Its advanced design enables gentle, high-speed, and high-resolution 3D imaging, minimizing phototoxicity while capturing fine structural and dynamic details. With the integration of a PCO FLIM camera, the system provides fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) capabilities, allowing researchers to study molecular interactions and environmental factors such as pH and ion concentrations. This flexibility makes it ideal for imaging organoids, spheroids, embryos, and other complex live or fixed specimens, supporting cutting-edge biological and biomedical research.

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The MERSCOPE from Vizgen is a high-resolution in situ platform powered by MERFISH technology that maps and quantifies RNA species in tissues at single-cell resolution, enabling detailed spatial genomics analysis. It supports flexible experimental setups with customizable gene panels, enhancing cost efficiency and research productivity.

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The Leica DIVE system is an advanced multiphoton microscope designed for deep tissue imaging with exceptional flexibility and sensitivity. Featuring two tunable multiphoton lasers, it allows simultaneous excitation of multiple fluorophores for efficient, high-resolution imaging. The system is equipped with spectral non-descanned detectors (NDDs), enabling high signal-to-noise detection of fluorescence from deep within tissues. Additionally, its Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) capability provides critical insights into molecular interactions and environmental changes. With its Deep In Vivo Explorer (DIVE) technology, the system supports imaging depths exceeding 1 mm, making it ideal for live-cell and intravital imaging in neuroscience, developmental biology, and disease research.

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The Nikon Ti2 microscope, paired with the Yokogawa W1 spinning disk confocal unit, delivers high-speed, high-resolution imaging for dynamic and live-cell studies. The spinning disk technology minimizes phototoxicity and bleaching, making it ideal for long-term imaging of sensitive samples. Equipped with a dual-camera setup, the system enables simultaneous multi-channel acquisition, significantly enhancing temporal resolution and enabling advanced colocalization studies. This configuration is perfect for applications requiring rapid, multidimensional imaging, such as cellular dynamics, intracellular trafficking, and live-tissue research.

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Workshops & events

<p>Introduction to image processing & analysis <sub>using</sub> FIJI</p>

Master the basics of image processing and analysis through our workshop series. Utilizing ImageJ/FIJl, these sessions will guide you in preparing your data for presentation and publication, alongside offering an initial insight into image analysis.

Colocalisation analysis

Colocalisation analysis involves examining and understanding the spatial relationship between one channel and another. If you're capturing images across multiple channels and seek to quantify their relationship, this workshop is designed specifically for you.

Image processing automation with FIJI

This workshop will concentrate on automating tasks in FIJI. If you know what you want to achieve but find yourself weary from all the clicking, we'll guide you through the process of recording and editing macros, as well as crafting scripts using Groovy.

Machine learning for segmentation

Segmentation, the task of identifying objects within an image, stands as one of the more complex challenges in image analysis. The advent of machine learning has brought significant advancements in this domain. However, grasping the practical aspects of applying machine learning to segmentation can necessitate some guidance.

Our people

Dr Alex Macmillan

Head of KGLMF

Phone: 02 9065 1672
Email: alex.macmillan@unsw.edu.au

Dr Michael Carnell

Senior Lecturer

Phone: 02 9065 1764
Email: m.carnell@unsw.edu.au

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Dr Celine Heu

Lecturer

Phone: 02 9065 2034
Email: c.heu@unsw.edu.au

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Fees

Hourly rates

Charges are accumulated at an hourly rate

Subscription models

Flat free subscriptions available for heavy usage

Fee for service

Preparation and/or imaging by BMIF

Imaging usage

Below are the lists of charges for various services. All charges are ex GST

	Includes	UNSW/Partner	External	Period
Hourly Spectroscopy	Fluorometer and Lifetime Spectroscopy$20.00/h	$20/hr	$36/hr	Per Hour
Hourly Microscopy	Microscopes and Image Analysis platforms	$50/hr	$90/hr	Per Hour
4 Month Subscription	Use of all equipment	$1,100	N/A	4-month period within the calendar year (1st Jan - 31st Dec) This rate cannot be renewed within the same calendar year
Student Annual Subscription (Honours Students only)	Use of all equipment	$1,000	N/A	1st Jan 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Annual Subscription 1	Use of all equipment excluding lightsheet AND intravital microscopes	$1,750	N/A	1st Jan 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Annual Subscription 2	Use of all equipment including either lightsheet OR intravital microscopes	$2,200	N/A	1st Jan 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Annual Subscription 3	Use on all equipment including both lightsheet AND intravital microscopes	$2,500	N/A	1st Jan 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Fee For Service (FFS)	Imaging services performed by BMIF staff	TBD	TBD	Contact kglmf@unsw.edu.au

Hourly Spectroscopy
Includes
Fluorometer and Lifetime Spectroscopy$20.00/h
UNSW/Partner
$20/hr
External
$36/hr
Period
Per Hour
Hourly Microscopy
Includes
Microscopes and Image Analysis platforms
UNSW/Partner
$50/hr
External
$90/hr
Period
Per Hour
4 Month Subscription
Includes
Use of all equipment
UNSW/Partner
$1,100
External
N/A
Period
4-month period within the calendar year
(1st Jan - 31st Dec)
This rate cannot be renewed within the same calendar year
Student Annual Subscription

(Honours Students only)

Includes
Use of all equipment
UNSW/Partner
$1,000
External
N/A
Period
1st Jan 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Annual Subscription 1
Includes
Use of all equipment excluding lightsheet
AND intravital microscopes
UNSW/Partner
$1,750
External
N/A
Period
1st Jan 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Annual Subscription 2
Includes
Use of all equipment including either lightsheet OR intravital microscopes
UNSW/Partner
$2,200
External
N/A
Period
1st Jan 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Annual Subscription 3
Includes
Use on all equipment including both lightsheet AND intravital microscopes
UNSW/Partner
$2,500
External
N/A
Period
1st Jan 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Fee For Service (FFS)
Includes
Imaging services performed by BMIF staff
UNSW/Partner
TBD
External
TBD
Period
Contact kglmf@unsw.edu.au

Charges for histology and microscopy preparation

BSP Grouping	Protocol	Price (Ex. GST) UNSW/Partner	Price (Ex GST) External	Job
Embedding	Paraffin Embedding	$5	$9	Per Block
Paraffin Slide Sealing	$1	$2	Per Block
Sectioning	Paraffin Sectioning	$5	$9	For first slide from each block
$2	$4	For subsequent slides from same block
Cryosectioning	$5	$9	For first slide from each block
$2	$4	For subsequent slides from same block
Microtome *DIY	$20	$36	Per Hour (1 hour training required for new users)
Vibratome *DIY	$20	$36	Per Hour (1 hour training required for new users)
Cryomicrotome *DIY	$25	$45	Per Hour (1 hour training required for new users)
Microtomy Subscription *DIY (Yearly)	$400	N/A	For usage > 20 hours within the calendar year *(1st Jan - 31st Dec)
Staining	H&E Staining	$5	$9	For first slide of each stain
$2	$4	For subsequent slides of same stain
Immunostaining - Chromogenic DAB	$25	$45	Per one antibody on slide (does not include sectioning; primary antibodies to be provided by user)
Immunostaining - Fluorescence	$25	$45	Per one antibody on slide (does not include sectioning; primary and secondary antibodies to be provided by user) - additional primary antibody $20/$35 each
Specialised Stains	TBD	TBD	Pricing depends on protocol

Charges for slide scanning services

Below are the lists of charges for various services. All charges are ex GST

DIY – Do It Yourself (self service)

Slide Scanning service on Olympus VS200	UNSW/Partner	External	Job
Bright Field, Phase contrast, Polarized (H&E, IHC, special stains)	$11	$20	Per Slide, 1 imaging mode
Slide scanning additional scan (Bright Field, Polarized, Darkfield, Phase contrast)	$6	$10	Per Slide
Fluorescence - basic	$16	$29	Per Slide - <= 2 channels, <= 1 hour scan
Fluorescence - complex	$22	$40	Per Slide: 3 or more channels, > 1 hour scan
Slide scanning DIY (Hourly*)	$50	$90	Per Hour
Slide scanning DIY^ (Yearly)	$1,750	NA	For usage ≥ 30 hours within the calendar year (1st Jan – 31st Dec) UNSW and Partner – access to KGLMF subscription External User – BF slide scanning only Does not include slide cleaning
Slide cleaning (Additional surcharge per slide if slides require cleaning before scanning) Includes cleaning of dust/oil and/or trimming of excess mounting media from slide edges to prevent slides jamming in the equipment	$5	$5

Slide Scanning service on Olympus VS200
Bright Field, Phase contrast, Polarized (H&E, IHC, special stains)
UNSW/Partner
$11
External
$20
Job
Per Slide, 1 imaging mode
Slide Scanning service on Olympus VS200
Slide scanning additional scan (Bright Field, Polarized, Darkfield, Phase contrast)
UNSW/Partner
$6
External
$10
Job
Per Slide
Slide Scanning service on Olympus VS200
Fluorescence - basic
UNSW/Partner
$16
External
$29
Job
Per Slide - <= 2 channels, <= 1 hour scan
Slide Scanning service on Olympus VS200
Fluorescence - complex
UNSW/Partner
$22
External
$40
Job
Per Slide: 3 or more channels, > 1 hour scan
Slide Scanning service on Olympus VS200
Slide scanning *DIY (Hourly)
UNSW/Partner
$50
External
$90
Job
Per Hour
Slide Scanning service on Olympus VS200
Slide scanning DIY^ (Yearly)
UNSW/Partner
$1,750
External
NA
Job
For usage ≥ 30 hours within the calendar year (1st Jan – 31st Dec) UNSW and Partner – access to KGLMF subscription External User – BF slide scanning only Does not include slide cleaning
Slide Scanning service on Olympus VS200
Slide cleaning

(Additional surcharge per slide if slides require cleaning before scanning)
Includes cleaning of dust/oil and/or trimming of excess mounting media from slide edges to prevent slides jamming in the equipment

UNSW/Partner
$5
External
$5
Job

Charges for specimen processing for electron microscope services

Immunostaining can be added with no extra charge, but you need to provide all optimized protocols and staining reagents
Type Protocol UNSW/Partner External Job
Sample Clearing Cubic reagent 1/2 (RI: 1.48) $50 $90 Per Slide
CUBIC Reagent L/R (RI: 1.51)
CLARITY (RI: 1.45)
PEGASOS (RI: 1.54)
Ethyl Cinnamate (RI: 1.56)

Protocol	UNSW/Partner	External	Job
Electron Microscopy Processing (fixation, EM post fixation, embedding)	$5	$9	Per Sample
Biowave use	$15	$27	Per Hour
35mm GRID dish	$10	$18	Per Sample
EM Chemical Processing	$5	$9	Per Sample
Apex DAB Reaction	$5	$9	Per Tablet (4 samples)
Leica ICE 6mm Planchettes	$20	$36	Per Sample

Type	Protocol	UNSW/Partner	External	Job
Sample Clearing	Cubic reagent 1/2 (RI: 1.48)	$50	$90	Per Slide
CUBIC Reagent L/R (RI: 1.51)
CLARITY (RI: 1.45)
PEGASOS (RI: 1.54)
Ethyl Cinnamate (RI: 1.56)

Multiplexing

Method	UNSW/Partner	Australian Universities
BOND single immunohistochemistry DAB	$25	$45
BOND immunohistochemistry positions DAB	$35	$63
2 OPAL MONOPLEX/LIBRARY (DAPI + 1 OPAL)	$55	$99
3 OPAL MULTIPLEX (DAPI + 2 OPAL)	$60	$108
4 OPAL MULTIPLEX (DAPI + 3 OPAL)	$70	$126
5 OPAL MULTIPLEX (DAPI + 4 OPAL)	$84	$151.20
6 OPAL MULTIPLEX (DAPI + 5 OPAL)	$98	$176.40
7 OPAL MULTIPLEX (DAPI + 6 OPAL)	$112	$201.60
8 OPAL MULTIPLEX (DAPI + 7 OPAL)	$126	$226.80
9 OPAL MULTIPLEX (DAPI + 8 OPAL)	$140	$252
Multiplexing Project Fee	$2,500	$4,500

Subscriptions

Only available within UNSW and partner organisations
Are per individual and are non-transferable to other people
Finish on the 31st December 2025
Allow uncapped usage, however this does depend on instrument and staff availability. Good planning is necessary in busy periods late in the year.

Unsure if you should pay hourly or take out a subscription?

You can start on an hourly rate, and it will automatically convert to a subscription (if eligible) once a subscription is cheaper than your hourly accumulation.

How to access

Contact us at kglmf@unsw.edu.au with your inquiry and we will arrange a meeting to discuss your requirements in detail. If you wish to access our instruments, please complete the ACLS registration process to begin onboarding.

Start by creating a user profile in our booking system - ACLS.

ACLab System
Once you have completed the registration, you‘ll get an email detailing the steps for onboarding.

This email will include a link to a form where you can describe your project. The details you sent me will help us put together a highly skilled team ready to meet with you and address your requirements.
During this meeting will explain how you can gain access to our lab space and what training you can anticipate.

Additionally, we will talk about your research project to make sure you match with the most suitable instrument for your research question.
To access the lot you must finish an online lab induction and receive a training from KGLMF staff on how to use the instruments. Our training is thorough and designed to accommodate even individuals who have no prior experience with microscopes.

Contact us

Katharina Gaus Light Microscopy Facility

Room LG12, Lower Ground
Lowy Cancer Research Centre (C25)
UNSW Sydney

Phone : 02 9065 5306
Email : kglmf@unsw.edu.au

We like to hear from you. If you have questions, requests or ideas for collaboration, please complete the contact form and we will be in touch within five business days.

Resources

KGLMF-BSP request form tissue processing and sectioning

Format: PDF
Size: 552 KB

Download

KGLMF-BSP request form immunolabeling

Format: PDF
Size: 493 KB

Download

KGLMF request form slide scanning

Format: PDF
Size: 446 KB

Download

KGLMF-BSP request form CRYO sectioning

Format: PDF
Size: 568 KB

Download

Get in touch about your project

We offer a range of services that can be tailored to your needs. Please send us an enquiry to get started.

Contact facility

Book instrument

Katharina Gaus Light Microscopy Facility (KGLMF)

Who we are

Funding partners:

Capabilities

Techniques

Lightsheet & clearing

Tissue sectioning

Spatial transcriptomics & proteomics

Live cell imaging

Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM)

AFM

SIM

Instruments

Workshops & events

Our people

Fees

Subscriptions

How to access

Contact us

Katharina Gaus Light Microscopy Facility

We like to hear from you. If you have questions, requests or ideas for collaboration, please complete the contact form and we will be in touch within five business days.

Resources

KGLMF-BSP request form tissue processing and sectioning

KGLMF-BSP request form immunolabeling

KGLMF request form slide scanning

KGLMF-BSP request form CRYO sectioning

Get in touch about your project

Complementary services

3D Culture Facility

Leica ICE 6mm Sapphires	$60	$108	Per Sample
Leica ICE Run Rate	$50	$90	Per Hour
Leica AFS2 Run Rate	$50	$90	Per Day (24 hours)
Cryo Preparation Subscription (Yearly)*	$1,500	N/A	1st Jan 2025 - 31st Dec 2025

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Katharina Gaus Light Microscopy Facility (KGLMF)

Who we are

Funding partners:

Capabilities

Techniques

Lightsheet & clearing

Tissue sectioning

Spatial transcriptomics & proteomics

Instruments

Workshops & events

Our people

Fees

Subscriptions

How to access

Contact us

Katharina Gaus Light Microscopy Facility

We like to hear from you. If you have questions, requests or ideas for collaboration, please complete the contact form and we will be in touch within five business days.

Resources

KGLMF-BSP request form tissue processing and sectioning

KGLMF-BSP request form immunolabeling

KGLMF request form slide scanning

KGLMF-BSP request form CRYO sectioning

Get in touch about your project

Complementary services

3D Culture Facility