Nikon Instruments Donation to Help Start New Core Microscopy Facility at Clemson
November 13, 2008
CLEMSON — November 13, 2008 – Nikon Instruments Inc. has provided an in-kind donation of microscopy equipment to help Clemson University’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences biological sciences department start a new core microscopy facility. The facility will be the first of its kind in the Southeast, equipped with one of the most technologically advanced system Nikon Instruments Inc. has installed anywhere in the United States.
Nikon recognizes Clemson as a top-tier research university in the Southeast, capable of bringing together its science and technology with industry needs and applications. Nikon plans to take advantage of the diverse research capabilities at Clemson to develop new products and applications, as well as establish the facility as a premier training facility in these top crossover instrumentation uses.
“Nikon chose to provide this donation to Clemson University’s biological sciences department because of Clemson’s unique commitment and blending of biological and material science imaging studies,” said Stan Schwartz, vice president of product and marketing at Nikon Instruments Inc. “Today’s microscopy tools allow for multi-modality imaging techniques to complement each other. Whether the specimens to observe are large or small, transparent or opaque, the interchangeability and compatibility of the optical instrumentation and analysis software will provide for superb crossover applications to be conducted.”
“The donation by Nikon dramatically expands microscopy capability and enhances the development of new imaging techniques on campus,” said Hap Wheeler, chairman of the biological sciences department. “Combined with another partnership in the university’s electron microscope facility, Clemson is positioned to be a leader in advanced-imaging analysis. This is an excellent example of a public-private collaboration that will benefit Clemson students, facilitate state-of-the-art research and generate economic growth in the state, region and global economy.”
Andrew Mount, Ph.D., was instrumental in developing the project in collaboration with Nikon and will lead a six-member research group at the facility.
The microscope package is valued at $620,000, toward which Nikon made an in-kind donation. Clemson University entities supporting the center with funds include the Office of Research and Economic Development; Public Service Activities; the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences; the biological sciences department and individual research faculty members.
Nikon Instruments Inc.
Nikon Instruments Inc. is a world leader in the development and manufacture of optical- and digital-imaging technology for biomedical and industrial applications. Now in its 90th year, Nikon provides complete optical systems that offer optimal versatility, performance and productivity. Cutting-edge instruments include microscopes, precision measuring equipment, digital-imaging products and software. Nikon Instruments is the microscopy and instrumentation arm of Nikon Corp., the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo-imaging technology. For more information, visit http://www.nikoninstruments.com/. Product-related inquiries may be directed to Nikon Instruments at 800-52-NIKON.
Clemson University
Clemson University in Clemson, S.C., is a science- and technology-oriented research university ranked among the nation’s top 25 public institutions. Since 2001, Clemson has doubled external research funding, raised the academic profile of the student body, increased retention and graduation rates, launched high-profile economic development initiatives and has earned national accolades, including being named TIME magazine’s Public College of the Year. Despite record applications, Clemson manages enrollment to maintain small classes and low student-to-faculty ratios.
For more information go to: http://www.clemson.edu.
