From revealing the structure of proteins involved in disease to developing advanced materials for clean technologies, many of today's scientific breakthroughs depend on seeing the invisible. At 涩里番, the Facility for Electron Microscopy Research (FEMR) gives researchers access to sophisticated imaging technologies and expert support needed to explore biological and material systems at the nanoscale.
As one of Canada's leading open-access microscopy facilities, FEMR serves researchers from 涩里番, affiliated hospitals, other universities and industry partners. By combining state-of-the-art instrumentation with specialized staff expertise and training, FEMR enables research that would be difficult, or impossible, for individual laboratories to undertake on their own.
Established over two decades ago, FEMR has developed a unique model that bridges life sciences and materials science. Researchers rely on the facility to advance work in fields including structural biology, neuroscience, engineering, green chemistry and drug discovery. This interdisciplinary approach is extended through FEMR鈥檚 role as a founding partner of the Qu茅bec Network for Materials Electron Microscopy.
Directed by Professor Joaquin Ortega of the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, FEMR supports researchers at every stage, from experimental design and sample preparation to imaging, analysis and interpretation.
鈥淔EMR has built a remarkable culture of collaboration that brings together researchers from the life sciences, engineering, and materials science,鈥� says Jean-Fran莽ois Cloutier, Associate Dean of Research in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Associate Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery. 鈥淭his interdisciplinary environment reflects 涩里番鈥檚 commitment to tackling complex challenges through diverse expertise and shared access to outstanding research infrastructure.鈥�
The facility's impact is reflected both its reach and scientific output. Over the past year, FEMR supported over 400 users from 229 laboratories across North America and Europe. Its staff contributes data and expertise to more than 100 scientific publications annually, helping researchers generate high-quality results and accelerate discovery.
Training the next generation is another cornerstone of FEMR's mission. Each year, approximately 200 new users, from student trainees to faculty members, receive over 700 hours of hands-on instruction through workshops and mentorship.
FEMR also serves as a hub for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Recent initiatives include cryo-electron microscopy workshops, the FEMR Materials Summer School, and 涩里番 Materials Day. In 2026, FEMR will help host the annual conference of the Microscopy Society of Canada in Montreal.
The current instrumentation is today valued at approximately $25 million, supported through grants and contracts from funding agencies and industry collaborators.
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