foundingGIDE at ELMI 2025
The ELMI 2025 conference took place from June 3–6, 2025, at EMBL Heidelberg, bringing together the European light microscopy community for a dynamic week of scientific exchange and technological innovation. With researchers, imaging facility staff, and industry partners gathering from across Europe and beyond, the event showcased the latest advances in microscopy and fostered new opportunities for collaboration. foundingGIDE was featured during the poster session.
This year marked the 25th anniversary of the European Light Microscopy Initiative (ELMI) conference, hosted by EMBL and Heidelberg University. With over 500 in-person participants, more than 70 virtual attendees, nearly 40 companies, and 180 representatives from industry, this year’s conference once again proved to be a vital meeting point for the imaging community. The event offered a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and discussion on pressing topics in the field.
The data focused talks focused on critical issues such as data management and sharing processes, platforms for research data management, and file formats. Participants also explored ongoing challenges and initiatives surrounding metadata, alongside broader discussions about the realities faced by core facilities. Topics like career development pathways and conflict management resonated strongly, reflecting the community’s commitment to supporting facility staff and their evolving roles.
ELMI 2025
ELMI 2025
Interactive live surveys provided valuable insights into the community’s priorities. In a survey on FAIR RDM (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable research data management) tools, metadata tools and standards clearly emerged as the most urgent need. This result highlights a shared need across the community to improve the standardization, and sharing of metadata. foundingGIDE was as well featured during the poster session emphasizing the metadata harmonisation ongoing work of the project.
The discussion around metadata and the standards that enable interoperability will continue at our upcoming foundingGIDE Community Event in Brisbane, Australia. Find out more about the event here.