Microscopy for Everyone: The OpenFlexure Microscope

Julian Stirling, Joe Knapper, Ben Chisholm, Julieta Arancio, Beth Probert

Info
OpenFlexure Microscope is a laboratory-grade, 3D-printed, digital microscope. It can automatically scan and generate high-resolution composite images of entire specimens. Our aim is to revolutionise digital diagnostics in low-resource settings by enabling local manufacturing of microscopes.
Installation
English
Off Stage
An image of the OpenFlexure microscope and another of the microscope being trialed in a cancer clinic in Rwanda.

The OpenFlexure Microscope design is openly available to all. Our microscopes have now been built or used in over 50 countries across all seven continents. The project empowers local manufacturers worldwide to bring digital microscopy to their communities.

Our highest priority is to work with manufacturers in the Global South to have their microscopes certified for medical use, as microscopes are essential for diagnosing malaria and cancer. Clinical evaluation of the microscope is already underway in multiple countries, including Tanzania, Rwanda, Brazil, and the Philippines.

We are also collaborating with organizations building microscopes for education in Ukraine, soil monitoring in Argentina, and biological research in Chile.

Every person, across all generations, needs access to healthcare, agriculture, and education. This is only possible through universal access to microscopy.