Project description
Advanced microscopy for real-time biomechanical imaging
Understanding the mechanical properties of biological systems is fundamental to unravelling key processes in development, disease progression and cellular function. Brillouin microscopy is a label-free optical technique that reveals the mechanical properties of living samples by analysing how light interacts with matter. However, it is characterised by slow acquisition speeds and photodamage, limiting its applicability in dynamic biological contexts. The scope of the ERC-funded BRIGHT project is to develop a next-generation Brillouin microscope integrating planar illumination and highly multiplexed spectral detection. This will dramatically increase imaging speed while minimising phototoxicity and preserving mechanical contrast, opening avenues for applications in biomedical research, drug screening and diagnosis.
Objective
Understanding the mechanical properties of biological systems is crucial for unraveling key processes in development, disease progression, and cellular function. This ERC Proof-of-Concept project proposes the development of a next-generation Brillouin microscope, inspired by light-sheet microscopy principles, to enable ultra-fast, high-resolution, and label-free imaging of mechanical properties in live biological samples. Traditional Brillouin microscopy has been limited by slow acquisition speeds and photodamage, hindering its practical application in dynamic biological contexts. Our novel system integrates planar illumination and highly multiplexed spectral detection to dramatically increase imaging speed while minimizing phototoxicity and preserving mechanical contrast. This platform will empower researchers to study biomechanical dynamics in real-time, from embryonic development to cancer progression, with unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution. The project will also explore commercialization pathways, with potential applications in biomedical research, drug screening, and diagnostic tools. By demonstrating technical feasibility, validating biological relevance, and assessing market potential, this project bridges the gap between fundamental photonics research and impactful biomedical innovation.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
69117 Heidelberg
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.