Advanced BioImaging Support (ABiS)

Description

Advanced BioImaging Support (ABiS) is the Japanese infrastructure for bioimaging to support scientists in Japan who holds grants from the ministry of education, culture, sports, science and technology (MEXT). ABiS was established in 2016 at the initiative of MEXT as one of Platforms for advanced technologies and research resources. It aims to facilitate life sciences in Japan by providing scientists with access to resources from model animals to state of the art instruments, research materials, and technical supports, free of charge (as of 2018).

How is it operated

Situating the National Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB) and National Institute for Physiological Science (NIPS), the inter-university research institutes, as the hub of the network, ABiS is implemented primarily in a bottom-up manner with the cooperation of expert scientists of bioimaging belonging to 20 universities and institutes across the country. ABiS provides access to advanced light microscopy, electron microscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and image data analysis, respectively.

How are applications managed

All proposals from scientists are processed by the web-based system for pre-consultation, full application, and reviewing by the ABiS experts and a few external reviewers.

What else can ABiS provide

ABiS provides scientists with the platform for exchanging information and technologies. it also entails educational programs for young scientists including students in bioimaging and organizes workshops, symposia and training courses. In addition, ABiS organizes board meetings as well as general assembly meetings for strategic planning and training courses for ABiS-affiliated scientists and technical staff to improve their technical skills.