The Openflexure Project is a globally recognised exemplar of open science hardware development https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/ecosocres2021d30NoteOpenSource_en.pdf. Open development of open science hardware is key to scientific reproducibility and scientific equality. It allows researchers everywhere to understand how their hardware is operating, and also to modify it to their needs. With careful design, open hardware can also allow manufacture and maintenance across the globe, including in low and middle income countries (LMICs).
The core of the Openflexure project is a motorised micromanipulation stage that is built into a compact and high resolution microscope. The project is developed openly, using distributed version control to enable contributions to the project goals, project development and project oversight from anywhere. A main project goal has been high resolution microscopy to contribute to malaria diagnosis in Tanzania, which has driven the core project development in a particular direction. Together with users in other fields a number of design variations have been developed, adapting the core technology to each type of use.
Further Information
This vertically integrated project will contribute to the development of open microscopy in three possible ways.
A. Development of microscope hardware. The Openflexure Microscope is 3D printed from CAD, which allows many variations of the hardware to address different user needs. Part of the VIP will assess user feedback (eg. https://openflexure.discourse.group/) and identify and address needs in hardware for new uses or needs in enhanced usability of existing hardware.
B. The Openflexure microscope can be built in different versions up to a high resolution (<500nm) robotic scientific microscope. Part of the VIP will assess applications in water quality monitoring in LMICs and applications in cell biology in laboratory incubators, to determine the type of microscope best suited for these applications. The common PLA material has been shown to work in these harsh environments, but there may be better materials such as PET. Environmental testing can be used to assess any improvements over PLA.
C. Positioning of the Openflexure project offering. The Openflexure project is developed by physicists and engineers as a series of different microscopy devices, and the website www.openflexure.org presents the possibilities from the device perspective. Many users will start from a scientific or environmental need, and will not necessarily know which device would be suitable for their need. Part of the VIP will assess the way in which the organisation of Openflexure project information could enhance visibility and accessibility of the microscopes for users. We have already seen a shift in perception of the quality of the microscope by switching from prints and renders in vibrant colours to displaying versions in scientific black-and-white or medical blue-and-white.
Sustainable Development Goals
SDGs: 3 Good Health and Wellbeing, 6 Clean Water and Sanitation & 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
Academic Director
Professor William Wadsworth, Department of Physics
Who can apply?
This VIP welcomes applications from all University of Bath students.
Applications for Semester 1 AY2526 will open in June 2025.