M Squared has been awarded a Business Innovation Award by the Institute of Physics at a Parliamentary Reception. We have been awarded the honour to recognise the innovation behind the Aurora Airy Light Sheet Microscope, that pushes technological boundaries and has opened up new opportunities for discovery for our research partners. Our Aurora microscopes have been developed to help scientists image live sub-cellular organisms and tissue to understand more about the biological processes of diseases such as cancer and dementia with the hope of finding cures. Aurora is a step-change in light sheet imaging technology: compact, modular and affordable. It can be configured as an entry-level or fully automated system to suit a researcher’s budget. The integration of an Airy beam propagation light-sheet technology facilitates large field of view, high spatial resolution, low photo-bleaching and deeper penetration. Using this technology, researchers in neuroscience, regenerative medicine and cancer research can see more than ever before. Dr Graeme Malcolm OBE commented: “This award is a great recognition of our ambition to innovate and collaborate with the wider physics network and to bring new technologies out of the lab and into the real world.” Professor Dame Julia Higgins, President of the IOP said of the winners of this year’s award: “[They] serve as tremendous examples of the many different ways in which physics can improve, save or protect lives and how it forms an invaluable part of the UK economy. “Their successes have been made possible by investing in physics and physicists. To continue to build on those successes, it is essential that public and private sector investors continue to invest in physics education, research and innovation. “I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to all of this year’s winners. Companies such as these are the backbone of a high-tech economy and society.” The team was presented with the award at a reception hosted by the Institute of Physics at the Houses of Parliament on 18 October. This award win comes after M Squared received joint research funding alongside St Andrews University in the government-backed Prosperity Partnerships Fund for their imaging work. Read more about Aurora on our microscopes page.
