LABI Meeting 2025 gathered researchers, institutions, and partners from across Latin America for three days of exchange, collaboration, and shared purpose in Buenos Aires. This year’s meeting showcased how connecting technology, people, and ideas can accelerate scientific progress across the region.

Day 1: Technology in Action
The meeting opened under the theme Technology in Action: Driving Scientific and Biomedical Breakthroughs. Fernando Stefani (CIBION-CONICET, Argentina) set the stage with a keynote on how imaging technologies are reshaping discovery. Claire Brown (ABIF, McGill University, Canada) emphasized the importance of global bioimaging networks, followed by a round table on democratizing access to advanced technologies in Latin America.

The technical session In-vivo Imaging: From Cell to Human, moderated by Nicole Salgado (Universidad de Chile), highlighted real-world examples of regional innovation, featuring contributions from Leonel Malacrida, Rupert Ecker, Emiliano Medei, and Fernanda Tovar-Moll. Lightning Talks brought creative perspectives from emerging researchers, and LABI’s Working Groups presented advances in Data Science, Outreach, and Training.

The day concluded with a special Honoris Causa ceremony recognizing Carlos Bustamante (UC Berkeley) for his groundbreaking contributions to single-molecule force spectroscopy. LABI Network Manager Andrés Olivera closed the day by emphasizing how LABI Fellowships help accelerate technology adoption across the region.

Day 2: Data Science & Infrastructure
The second day focused on building stronger foundations for open, FAIR, and AI-ready data in Latin America. Stephan Preibisch delivered an inspiring keynote that led into a round table on sustainable and collaborative regional data infrastructure.

Sessions throughout the day showcased practical applications of data science — from AI-driven analysis to open-access tools developed within Latin America. Lightning Talks once again highlighted the creativity and depth of the community.

Workshops and networking activities filled the afternoon, with participants engaging in topics such as FAIR data management, grant writing, and South–South partnerships. As LABI’s Network Manager reminded us:

“When you connect people strategically, individual transformation scales into systemic change.”

This idea captured the spirit of the day and reaffirmed LABI’s mission to empower regional leadership in science.

Day 3: Connecting Institutions and Communities
The final day focused on bridging research, education, and public engagement. In the morning, participants visited imaging facilities at the Universidad de Buenos Aires, exploring advanced technologies, collaborative spaces, and ongoing research across UBA centers.

In the afternoon, two outreach activities demonstrated LABI’s commitment to open and accessible science. Microscopists from across Latin America collaborated with local school teachers on cellphone microscopy demonstrations as part of UBA’s Science Week and the LABI Outreach and Integration Working Group. In parallel, interactions with students and researchers highlighted how bioimaging connects to public health, education, and environmental challenges.

LABI Meeting 2025 closed with renewed energy and a strengthened regional network committed to driving scientific innovation in Latin America. And this journey continues — we’ll meet again next year in Panama!

Last week, the LABI Community took part in the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative’s Imaging the Future Meeting 2025, a global event that brings together leaders in the imaging field to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and build new collaborations.

This inspiring gathering continues to shape the future of imaging worldwide. LABI joined colleagues from different regions, disciplines, and technologies to strengthen dialogue and develop strategies that drive scientific advances across multiple dimensions.

Through these exchanges, we reaffirm our commitment to positioning Latin America at the forefront of bioimaging. By connecting people, infrastructure, and knowledge, LABI works to ensure that advanced imaging technologies reach more scientific communities throughout the region.

Together with our global partners, we move forward toward a more collaborative, innovative, and connected scientific future

This November, the Latin America Bioimaging (LABI) Community will gather in Buenos Aires for the most important event of the year: LABI Meeting 2025, taking place from November 10–12.

With the theme “From Data to Discovery”, this edition will bring together leading voices from across Latin America and international partners to foster dialogue, spark innovation, and strengthen collaborations that are shaping the future of bioimaging in the region.

Main Event Topics:

• November 10 – Technology in Action: Driving Scientific and Biomedical Breakthroughs
  Exploring successful use cases, sustainable models for technology adoption, and cutting-edge imaging tools transforming biomedical research.

• November 11 – Data Science & Infrastructure: Building Foundations for Open, FAIR & AI-Ready Data
  A deep dive into cloud infrastructure, FAIR data principles, and AI-driven tools aimed at reinforcing the digital backbone of bioimaging in Latin America.

• November 12 – Facility Visits & Outreach Activity
  Hands-on experiences with facility tours and a dedicated outreach activity designed to increase visibility and engage the broader scientific community.

LABI Meeting 2025 is more than a conference — it is a space to connect, collaborate, and envision new possibilities for bioimaging across the region and beyond.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative event.
Register now: LABI Meeting 2025 Registration Form

Last August, a three-day Microscopy Fundamentals course took place at Fundación Instituto Leloir in Buenos Aires, bringing together experts and participants for an intensive learning experience. The program combined insightful lectures with practical sessions on fluorescence microscopy, confocal laser scanning, TIRF, spinning disk, multidimensional and live imaging, as well as pre- and post-imaging care.

Two of our LABI fellows, Vanessa Monge (Centro Internacional Cabo de Hornos, Chile) and Natalia Pagliaro (Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús – La Plata, Argentina, CONICET), took part in the course, enhancing their skills while contributing to the strengthening of the Latin American bioimaging community. Vanessa traveled from one of the southernmost points of the continent, while Natalia, whose research focuses on embryonic germline stem cell proliferation and its molecular and epigenetic regulation, brought valuable insights to enrich the discussions.

We extend our gratitude to BIOINGENIERIA, Fundación Instituto Leloir, and the dedicated instructors — including Claire Brown — for making this training possible and for empowering the region’s bioimaging scientists.

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On June 24–25, the 15th meeting of the EU–CELAC Research Infrastructures Working Group (RI WG), organized by the European Commission, took place in Vienna, Austria. This edition focused on the digitization of research infrastructures and their key role in advancing collaboration, open access, and interoperability across regions.

During the meeting, the five thematic hubs established under the Latin American and Caribbean Forum for Research Infrastructures (LACFRI) presented their 2025–2026 work plans, outlining strategic objectives for the coming years.

Representing LABI, Andrés Olivera —LABI’s Network Manager— highlighted the strategic role of regional scientific networks in translating bi-regional political priorities into actionable, community-driven frameworks. His intervention emphasized LABI’s contribution to advancing integration in the field of imaging, demonstrating that connection between infrastructure, data, and people is possible when supported by strong regional and global cooperation.

   

Through our growing collaboration with CEBEM (Centro de Biología Estructural del Mercosur), Euro-BioImaging, and Instruct-ERIC, LABI continues to shape practical models for implementing open, fair, and AI-ready infrastructures in Latin America.

The meeting brought together national representatives, institutional delegates, and experts in a collaborative and forward-looking environment. At LABI, we remain committed to strengthening cooperation, enhancing research infrastructures, and contributing to a more integrated, inclusive, and accessible scientific ecosystem across Latin America.

We’ve got exciting news for the Latin American bioimaging community: a new webinar on the Imaging for All (i4A) Program, coordinated by Global BioImaging.

Discover how to access this opportunity, connect with peers across the region, and get personalized support to apply!

Webinar Agenda:

Time (Approx.)	Segment	Speaker
5 min	Welcome and Opening Remarks	Chris Wood (LABI co-chair / LNMA)
15–20 min	Overview of the Imaging for All Program Goals, eligibility, application process, and support.	Deniz Saltukoglu (Global BioImaging)
5–10 min	Successful Application Experience Insights from a Latin American awardee.	Remy Ávila Foucat (CFATA – UNAM, México)
20 min	Q&A Session	All Speakers

Let’s keep expanding access to advanced imaging across Latin America.