On the afternoon of November 17, SZBL and Olympus-Life Sciences Solutions signed an agreement to co-establish the Discovery Center at a ceremony held at SZBL. SZBL leadership Hu Xiaojun and Tu Huan, as well as Olympus Science Division Chief Manager Idei Kunihiro, attended the event and unveiled the newly-launched center.

Hu Xiaojun mentioned in his speech that SZBL serves as a key innovation driver for Shenzhen to build a demonstration zone in China and set up high level biomedical and scientific development. To achieve this goal needs not only frontier scientific discovery but high-end platforms and facilities as a base. Olympus has been a leading maker of advanced facilities and provider of conducive bespoke research solutions. The cooperation between SZBL and Olympus will make it a constructive supplement to SZBL’s research capacity and promote progress of the health industry in Shenzhen and even the Greater Bay Area.

Idei Kunihiro introduced the history of Olympus and its engagement in China’s life science development. He pointed out that grounded on the innovative landscape of Shenzhen, SZBLwill undoubtedly tap into its potential and thrive as a world-class scientific hub. Olympus is willing to provide consistent supports under this cooperation, Idei added.

The Bioimaging Core of SZBL is an integral part of the laboratory’s high-end facility platform. It is planned to host a variety of advanced and integrated imaging technologies, like optics, electronics and radionuclides, for a larger purpose to deliver continuous upgrading techniques that supports life science research at both macro and micro levels. At present, the Bioimaging Core has introduced more than 10 high-precision microscopic imaging equipment, providing technological services for SZBL and extramural institutions. The signing of the cooperation will also see special research funds established by the two sides to further support microscopic imaging technology development.

After the signing, Dr. Gan Wenbiao, Head of the SZBL Institute of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders, and Dr. Yuan Zhenhuan, Manager of the Life Sciences Department of Olympus, delivered keynote reports respectively. SZBL scientists and researchers including Zhou Lei, Peng Qin, Deng Lin, Yin Yandong and Sun Zhenglong shared their views in the discussion section.