"Small worlds, big discoveries"

A Perfect Match: Microscopy Meets Miniaturised Worlds

What could be a better fit with cell microscopy than an entire miniature world? That was our thought behind choosing the location for our science event on the eve of this year’s SLAS conference in Hamburg—an evening dedicated to cell imaging aficionados.

The Venue: Miniatur Wunderland

We were fortunate to find this extraordinary location available for the occasion, so we hosted a short conference at the famous Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg’s old port quarters. And what can we say? The fit was perfect. The audience filled the space completely—and for those unfamiliar with the venue, every guest had to wander through part of the “Wunderland” before reaching our conference corner. That journey alone lifted the mood, and rarely have so many broad smiles been seen at the beginning of a scientific meeting.

Inspiring Talks by Leading Experts

Two high-profile speakers from the high-content imaging world joined us and kept the energy high throughout the evening. Eugenio Fava (Milan, Italy) and Stefan Prechtl (Berlin, Germany) shared deep insights from their extensive experience, offered a glimpse into the future of cellular imaging, and explored the growing impact of AI on this field. Their talks sparked lively discussions, particularly around the translational aspects of these developments. (Abstracts and details can be found here.) After the talks, discussions continued over food and drinks served by the Wunderland team. Later in the evening, Miniatur Wunderland itself was opened exclusively for our guests (get your own impressions of the fascinating miniature world). Its intricate landscapes and moving trains proved just as captivating as confocal images of beautifully stained cellular structures. While microscopy helps us uncover the principles of life during the day, the miniature world provided hours of pure entertainment, ensuring that smiles lingered well into the night. And who knows, perhaps the Cenibra train is still circling the tracks of this unique place.

Looking Ahead

Clearly, the small worlds of microscopy and Miniatur Wunderland make a perfect match. Inspired by this success, we are considering repeating the event when SLAS returns to Hamburg in 2027. So keep an eye open for the next opportunity to get these exclusive insights into both the world of cell microscopy and the miniature world.