Biological Imaging and Microscopy

The Mary Park BioImaging Centre contains a range of world-class microscopy equipment that enables us to study marine organisms at subcellular resolution. Our centre allows direct observation of cellular processes such as cell signalling and photosynthesis that underpin the unique biology of marine life.

The Marine Biological Association was awarded £700k UKRI-NERC capital grant towards the Mary Parke BioImaging Centre which was opened in 2021. As a world-class research centre, it will focus on the vast and diverse microscopic world of the ocean to help understand ocean health and the impacts of climate change.

The University of Plymouth has a comprehensive range of low and high power microscopes capable of visualising micro and macro-organisms. With camera attachments, live organisms can be filmed to assess physiological and behavioural responses to stressors. Our equipment is integrated with sophisticated software for image analysis, image processing and x-ray characterisation of materials, with facilities for rapid report generation.

Expert and specialist support for academia and industry. is offered through our Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre.