EMU: acquisition of a STED nanoscope for super-resolution imaging

• Grant number: 23/16973-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Small Medium Sized
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Pedro Henrique Benites Aoki
• Grantee: Pedro Henrique Benites Aoki
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Letras (FCL-ASSIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Assis. Assis , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: José Ricardo de Arruda Miranda ; Mayra Elena Ortiz D' Avila Assumpcao ; Rafael Carvalho Almada

Abstract

This proposal for the acquisition of the STED nanoscopy system as a Multi-User Equipment (EMU) originated from the collaboration established with the group of Prof. Christelle Prinz at the Institute of Physics, Lund University, Sweden. This collaboration began through a SPRINT project (Fapesp 2019/23223-1). Not only did this initiative facilitate the exchange between members of our groups, but it also made my postdoctoral research (from 01/08/2022 to 31/07/2023) possible within Prof. Prinz's group, where I had the opportunity to work with STED nanoscopy. I believe that the experience gained, coupled with the support and collaboration with the Swedish group, significantly strengthen the proposal for the implementation of this technology as a multi-user resource. Furthermore, this proposal has strong support from significant Fapesp projects, such as a Regular Research Project (APR), an Initial Project (PI), a Young Researcher Project (JP), and a Thematic Project. This strategy, with statewide reach, aims to promote the decentralization of research towards the interior, strengthening collaboration among institutions in the region and contributing to scientific and technological development more broadly. The proposal introduces an innovative technology to the state, positioning the researchers of the proposing teams and other users from São Paulo as pioneers in using this equipment. This will enhance the research of these groups, achieving international levels of excellence and having a significant impact on the quality of their scientific output. With the support of the Directorate of the Faculty of Sciences and Letters of Assis, as well as the Pro-Rectorate of Research (PROPe) and the Rectorate of São Paulo State University "Julio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP), the proposal not only presents the characteristics of an EMU required by FAPESP but also meets all the requirements for infrastructure, maintenance, usage, administration, and management of all activities associated with the requested equipment, as detailed in this document. (AU)