Nikon BioImaging Lab: Advanced Imaging and Contract Research Services​

Where Imaging Drives Discovery​

The Nikon BioImaging Lab (NBIL) is a Contract Research Organisation (CRO) that provides bioimaging services by combining advanced imaging technologies, scientific expertise, and experimental design to help researchers generate reliable data, accelerate time-to-insight, and achieve meaningful scientific breakthroughs.

  • Transforming Images into Insights – Powered by Nikon’s advanced imaging technologies and AI-driven analysis software, NBIL helps researchers uncover new biological insights to create meaningful scientific impact.
  • Powering Scientific Discovery – Whether supporting biological research, translational studies, or novel imaging applications, NBIL combines imaging expertise and experimental insight to help researchers generate reliable data and answer complex scientific questions with confidence.
  • Helping Researchers Reach Answers Faster - Our expertise in assay development, execution, and team of biologists and microscopy imaging professionals allows scientists to answer critical questions more quickly, turning questions, into discoveries.

Contact us to explore what’s possible.

Our Expertise

Our multidisciplinary team works across technologies and applications to support both established and unconventional imaging challenges. We support a wide range of applications and are on hand to discuss any other scientific challenges that are not listed.

Expertise

By combining biological understanding with imaging expertise, we help researchers answer challenging questions and uncover new opportunities for discovery.

Discovery Workflows

At the NBIL, we help researchers generate reliable imaging data that drives scientific discovery. Working across biotech, pharma, and the wider research community, we support projects through imaging, analysis, and experimental workflows tailored to each study’s needs.​
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Our centers across Europe provide access to advanced Nikon microscopy technologies alongside expert support in cell and tissue culture, sample preparation, image acquisition, analysis, and reporting. By combining scientific expertise with imaging capabilities, NBIL helps researchers answer complex biological questions with greater clarity and confidence.

Consultation

Start with the right experimental strategy

Work with our expert PhD-level scientists to define project goals, evaluate feasibility, and design imaging workflows tailored to your research question. By combining biological expertise with advanced imaging knowledge, we help establish a strong foundation for reliable and meaningful results.

Cell Culture

Building the biological foundation of your study

NBIL provides cell culture services to support downstream imaging and experimental workflows. Services include expansion of established cell lines, recovery from frozen stocks, cell banking, and organoid generation, helping ensure high-quality biological material for your project.

Sample Preparation

Preparing samples for optimal imaging performance

We support sample preparation throughout the imaging pipeline, including antibody optimization, low- and high-plex staining, and protocol development. Our expertise helps maximize signal quality, improve reproducibility, and ensure samples are ready for advanced imaging applications.

Imaging

Generating high-quality imaging data

Using advanced Nikon microscopy technologies, NBIL captures high-resolution imaging data tailored to your research objectives. Whether your project requires 3D imaging, high-content screening, organ-on-a-chip imaging, or live-cell imaging, we help generate robust datasets that reveal critical biological insights.

Analysis & Reporting

Transforming data into actionable insights

NBIL provides qualitative and quantitative image analysis for data generated both at NBIL and on external imaging systems. Using advanced software, automated workflows, and AI-assisted tools, we help extract meaningful information from complex datasets and deliver clear, quality-controlled reports that you can trust, tailored to your research objectives.

We understand your science is unique. The wide variety of imaging setups, image analysis tools, and experienced, dedicated experts make us comfortable to take on any imaging challenge, and work collaboratively to shorten research timelines and provide clear insights.​

Why Work with NBIL?

Scientific Partnership

Work alongside experienced scientists and imaging specialists who understand both the technology and the biological questions behind your research.

Cutting-Edge Technology

Access innovative Nikon imaging solutions and advanced applications to explore new scientific possibilities.

Discovery-Focused Approach

Our goal is not simply to collect images. We help researchers generate insights, answer critical questions, and drive scientific progress.

Flexible & Scalable Solutions 

Whether you need custom assay development, advanced imaging, analysis, or automation support, NBIL adapts to your project's needs.

Innovation Through Collaboration

NBIL is more than a facility. We are a collaborative partner in your research journey. Together, we create the conditions for discovery to happen faster and with greater impact.

Resources

The Resources section contains a curated collection of news, application notes, and helpful tools designed to enhance your understanding of Nikon's contract research services.

Learn More

Trusted by Innovative Biotech and Research Organisations

From emerging startups to established biotech and pharmaceutical organisations, NBIL supports researchers at every stage of innovation.

Hear what our clients are saying and explore the NBIL Startup program to find out more.

Let's Discover What's Next

Whether you're investigating fundamental biology, developing new therapeutic approaches, or exploring emerging imaging techniques, NBIL can help you uncover new perspectives and accelerate your research.
Connect with NBIL and turn curiosity into discovery.

Locations

Leiden, Netherlands

Nikon BioImaging Lab
Plus Ultra Leiden
Emmy Noetherweg 2
2333 BK Leiden Zuid-Holland
Netherlands

Tel: +31 6 34557129

Basel, Switzerland

Nikon BioImaging Lab
Superlab Suisse Basel AG
Stücki Park
Hochbergerstr. 60 I, 4057 Basel
Switzerland

Cambridge, UK

Nikon BioImaging Lab
Meditrina Building (B260)
Babraham Research Campus
Cambridge
CB22 3AT
UK

Tel: +44 7771897503

Heidelberg, Germany

Nikon BioImaging Lab
Biolabs
Nikola-Tesla-Strasse 1
69124 Heidelberg
Germany

Tel: +49 15167505485

NBIL FAQs

What are Contract Research Services?

Contract Lab Services are essentially “laboratories for hire” that are equipped to provide extended lab and research capacity. These labs offer a range of services — including access to additional equipment, space, and experienced staff. More broadly known as Contract Research Organizations (CRO), contract lab services are becoming an increasingly important resource to researchers in R&D at small and large organizations alike.

Who typically uses Contract Research Services?

Contract Research Services customers vary widely, but this service is becoming increasingly popular within the Biotech, Pharma and Academic Research communities. Contract Research Service providers offer an especially attractive value to labs seeking additional capacity, on a temporary or long-term basis. These services also apply to biotech startups, which need access to data provided by critical research instrumentation but don’t have capital to spend on expensive lab instrumentation and the expert staff to use and maintain it. Contract Research Service providers also offer access to cutting-edge equipment — which is often very expensive and difficult to keep up to date.

What is the Nikon BioImaging Lab?

The Nikon BioImaging Lab provides contract research services for microscope-based imaging and analysis. The Lab offers full-service microscopy, assay development, sample preparation, data acquisition and analysis services. Our expert staff have decades of experience in biology, microscopy, and assay design. The Nikon BioImaging Lab uses the latest in cutting-edge imaging and data-analysis tools from Nikon, all backed by a company with more than 100 years of experience in providing cutting edge tools to the life sciences community.

What services does the Nikon BioImaging Lab provide?

The lab provides full-service imaging, data analysis, assay development, and cell cultures using Nikon microscope systems and software solutions. The staff includes biologists and microscopists that provide support in imaging, data acquisition and analysis. The level of service and involvement of the Contract Lab is determined individually for each client based on need. Some need only access to equipment and are capable of data acquisition/analysis on their own, while others may require full-service imaging and analysis support. Or any level in between.

Additional applications include high content imaging and analysis; 3D imaging; fluorescence imaging; high resolution imaging; color imaging; label-free imaging; cell screening and high throughput imaging, among others.

What differentiates Nikon from other providers?

Nikon has been a technological market leader in scientific imaging for more than 100 years. Today, the company is a leader in Biomedical imaging and has some of the most advanced imaging technology available in the world. The Nikon BioImaging Lab uses its years of optical innovation and cutting-edge product offerings to help scientists accelerate clinical and diagnostic breakthroughs. Although the right Contract Lab is determined by the specific needs of the individuals or organizations, if the need is imaging, microscopy, or assay based, the Nikon BioImaging Lab is an excellent fit.

How does the Nikon BioImaging Lab ensure the security of sensitive research information?

The Nikon BioImaging Lab has a comprehensive data security strategy in place that uses several layers of protection to ensure the security of customers’ information. This includes hardware, network, application, and personnel security measures. Nikon employs industry standard best practices to ensure the integrity and security of the data we provide.

What is Organ-on-a-chip (OoC) imaging?

Organ-on-chips mimic the complex, three-dimensional structures and functions of living organs in vitro, providing reproducible assay environments for drug testing and the study of health and disease states specific to various organ systems. Imaging these simulated micro-organs typically requires high speed and imaging depth as well as analysis techniques to quantify this three-dimensional data. Nikon provides a complete acquisition and analysis solution for Organ-on-a-Chip Imaging.

How can I send my samples to you, including live cells?

Both fixed and live cells can be transported to the NBIL. For precious live-cell transport, we make use of CellBox GmbH’s services., ensuring that we can safely transport any number of plates when the need arises.

How do I set up an initial consultation?

Interested in working with us? Need clarification? Reach out, we are more than happy to discuss what the Nikon BioImaging Lab can do for you.

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