Empowering African Scientists with Open-Source Microscopy: The Journey of openScopes Africa

The landscape of scientific research in Africa is poised for a transformative change thanks to the groundbreaking initiative, openScopes Africa. Established through the Advancing Imaging through Collaborative Projects programme of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, this initiative aims to make advanced optical microscopy accessible to African scientists who otherwise lack the resources to purchase and maintain commercial research-grade instruments.

In partnership with the African Microscopy Initiative (AMI), the openScopes Africa project brings together scientists from Imperial College London and the University of Cape Town (UCT). The mission is clear: to pilot the dissemination of locally sustainable, open-source microscopy instrumentation and software. Over three days, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of microscopy, computer-controlled image acquisition using µManager, and data analysis with FIJI/ImageJ. The rapid learning curve and hands-on experience left participants feeling empowered.