Following the successful installation of Cambridge Raman Imaging’s CORAL microscope at Universitätsklinikum Jena in February 2025, a productive collaboration between CRI and the clinic’s Biophotonics research group has led to significant improvements in the system’s clinical usability.
Eric Fantuzzi from CRI and Nadja Ziller from the Clinical Biophotonics Group at Universitätsklinikum Jena have been working closely together to optimize the microscope’s interface and functionality for routine clinical applications. Their partnership exemplifies the collaborative spirit that drives the CHARM project forward.
“Working directly with the clinical team has provided invaluable insights into how the technology performs in a real healthcare environment,” said Eric. “The hands-on feedback from Nadja and the rest of the team in Jena has been instrumental in identifying areas where we could streamline the user experience.”
During the past months, Nadja and her colleagues provided detailed feedback on their day-to-day interactions with the CORAL microscope, highlighting both its capabilities and areas where both hardware and software could be simplified for clinical workflows. This direct user input has proven essential in bridging the gap between advanced research technology and practical clinical application.
Based on this collaborative feedback, the CRI team has implemented several interface and hardware improvements designed to make the system more intuitive for clinical staff. These enhancements focus on simplifying complex procedures, improving the overall stability of the microscope and reducing the learning curve for new users, ensuring that the technology can be seamlessly integrated into busy clinical departments.
“The partnership with CRI has been remarkably productive,” noted Nadja. “Their willingness to listen to our practical needs, their outstanding support and respond with concrete improvements demonstrates their commitment to developing technology that truly serves clinical requirements.”
This ongoing collaboration between CRI and Universitätsklinikum Jena continues to refine the CORAL microscope’s clinical readiness, bringing the CHARM project closer to its goal of delivering practical, user-friendly diagnostic tools for healthcare professionals.