SPIN-Lab’s History
Learn about our history
The SPIN-Lab Centre for Microscopic Research on Matter is a research centre operating within the University of Silesia in Katowice. The unit was established on 16 October 2017 under the original name of the Virtual Centre for Nano- and Microscopy.
From the very beginning, our task has been to consolidate competencies and capabilities related to education, research, development, and commercialisation in the areas of nanoscopy and microscopy. Currently, we combine the microscopy expertise of two faculties of the University of Silesia, the Faculty of Science and Technology and the Faculty of Natural Sciences, offering the possibility to carry out research using more than 45 microscopes.
In 2020, the Centre secured funding for new research infrastructure[1]. The funding enabled the new facility to be built and equipped with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment:
- a transmission electron microscope suitable for research in cryogenic conditions,
- a focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope system,
- a scanning electron microscope with EDX and WDX detectors, and a Raman spectrometer,
- a confocal microscope with a white light laser,
- and an X-ray microtomography machine.
We completed our investment activities in 2022, launching the most modern microscopy centre in Silesia, which specialises in the correlative study of matter, especially ‘soft matter’. Thanks to the cooperation of more than 100 specialists in various areas of microscopy, we provide research, development and education services, scientific and technical consultancy, training, workshops and seminars, and expert services.
[1] Funding for the new research infrastructure comes from the funds of the Regional Operational Programme of the Śląskie Voivodeship for 2014-2020 (Measure 1.1. Key research infrastructure for the region. Priority Axis 1: ‘Modern economy’).
Building the SPIN-Lab Centre
SPIN-Lab centre construction
Finishing elevation works
Installing electricity, central heating and air conditioning
Finishing the interior
Delivering the equipment
Delivering and installing key devices
