Biomedical Imaging Research Unit


Welcome!

The Biomedical Imaging Research Unit (BIRU) is a Research Platform that provides shared research infrastructure, training and support. It is located in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at the Grafton campus.

Hilary Holloway Prize for Best Image 2024
'When Van Gogh gets under your skin', Darven Murali Tharan, Faculty of Science Reveals the organisation of collagen fibres in biological tissue showcasing the orientation and distribution of collagen fibres in human skin, taken in vivo. The data was taken using polarisation-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT).
  • Welcome to our new Technical Manager
    08 May 2025
    Dr Victoria Hewitt has been appointed as the new Technical Manager of BIRU. Victoria has a research background with experience imaging mitochondrial dynamics and morphology in neurons in flies and mice. She has experience in confocal imaging and TEM and will support the team providing advice and training, experimental design and image analysis as well as providing operational support and leadership in the BIRU.
  • New Olympus FV4000 upright confocal microscope
    23 January 2025
    There is a new confocal microscope in the BIRU! The system is a FLUOVIEW Olympus FV4000. It is an upright confocal microscope with the most sensitive detector technology on the market. It can image standard fluorophores as well as near-infrared/ far-red signals. It has a point scanner for detailed imaging and a resonant scanner for fast live cell/ large volume imaging. Heating and cooling are also available.
  • New spectral cell sorter brings enhanced research capability
    12 January 2025
    A special event was recently held to express gratitude to the trustees of the Medical and Health Sciences Foundation for their generosity in funding a new state of the art Cytek Aurora Spectral Cell Sorter. The new system has significantly enhanced research capabilities available at The University of Auckland. The trustees, including Professor Warwick Bagg (Dean), were treated to a demonstration of the capabilities of the system by BIRU staff member Dr. Sandy Chen.