Leica Center of Excellence

Leica Microsystems and Fred Hutch collaborated to establish the first Leica Center of Excellence, or CoE, in the Pacific Northwest. The Leica CoE establishes a mutually beneficial, collaborative relationship through a combined effort to provide researchers with advanced microscopy technologies, while supporting the Hutch’s commitment to generating scientific discoveries and developing new approaches to preventing and treating cancer and related diseases.

The Leica CoE is a nonexclusive collaboration that provides Fred Hutch with additional Leica-based service and support, access to Leica’s newest technologies, increased training, and access to engineers for troubleshooting and customization. Through this collaboration, Fred Hutch researchers have the opportunity to participate in product beta-testing, and scientists who develop appropriate new technology or techniques have access to high-level product and R&D management to explore possible collaboration and/or commercialization. In return, Fred Hutch has committed to engagement from our scientific community and a purchase requirement that does not preclude us from purchasing equipment from other vendors.

Thus, the Leica CoE provides Fred Hutch the opportunity to expand our reputation within the cell biology and microscopy communities while driving innovation in the microscopy field through valuable feedback and collaboration.

Leica Microsystems collaborates with investigators directly, outside of Fred Hutch Shared Resources, but will focus on the equipment available for use by all Shared Resources customers, both within and outside the Fred Hutch/University of Washington Cancer Consortium.