Yury Belyaev at Stellenbosch University, South Africa

In April 2025, Yury Belyaev, Light Microscopy Core Facility Manager at the Microscopy Imaging Center (MIC) of the University of Bern, visited the Central Analytical Facilities (CAF) Microscopy Unit at Stellenbosch University, South Africa (https://www.sun.ac.za/english/research-innovation/caf/units-laboratories/microscopy). The visit was part of the Global BioImaging (GBI) Job Shadowing Program (https://globalbioimaging.org/international-job-shadowing), which fosters international knowledge exchange and skills development among imaging core facilities worldwide.

The primary objective of this visit was to gain deeper insights into the organization, workflows, and technical expertise of the CAF Microscopy Unit, while also sharing the best practices in core facility management and microscopy services. Throughout the program, Yury Belyaev observed and discussed various aspects of imaging facility operations, including user training, sample preparation, service provision, data management, and advanced imaging techniques.

Yury was warmly welcomed by the CAF team and received a comprehensive tour of the microscopy platform. Particular attention was given to light and electron microscopy as well as correlative imaging approaches. The exchange involved fruitful discussions on workflow optimization, strategies for user support, and the integration of new technologies into routine services.

During his stay, Yury Belyaev also took part in a microscopy workshop organized by the CAF Microscopy Unit. This hands-on training session brought together participants from across South Africa and focused on wide-field and confocal microscopy, image analysis, and microscope maintenance. The workshop was additionally supported by the CoRE Genomics for Health in Africa Scientific Exchange Program (https://www.genomicsforhealthinafrica.org/sciex-registration), which provided travel grants for three participants, thereby enhancing accessibility and regional collaboration.

Yury expresses his sincere gratitude to the entire CAF Microscopy team, especially Unit Manager Lize Engelbrecht, for their hospitality and willingness to share their expertise. He also extends thanks to Global BioImaging for enabling this enriching professional exchange and for their generous financial support.