The OpenFlexure Microscope: A 3D-printed microscope for teaching, research and medicine by IOP WM

The OpenFlexure Microscope: A 3D-printed microscope for teaching, research and medicine by Joe Knapper, Research Associate, University of Glasgow. Hosted by IOP West Midlands Branch at Keele. Microscopy has traditionally been confined to specialised laboratories, limiting hands-on access to the microscopic world. The OpenFlexure Microscope offers an open-source, 3D-printable platform that combines precise imaging with flexible, modular design. This talk will introduce the principles behind the OpenFlexure system, including its flexure-based mechanical stage, modular optics, and automated control, and will show how it can be used for advanced applications such as imaging cancer cells. Beyond the technology, we will explore the global community that has grown around OpenFlexure and reached every continent - researchers, educators, and enthusiasts collaborating to develop, share, and adapt the system for a wide range of scientific investigations. Attendees will see how open hardware is not only expanding access to high-quality microscopy, but also fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and discovery in science worldwide.