Our project coordinating partner, Cambridge Raman Imaging (CRI), marked a significant milestone by making a strong impression at the 28th International Conference on Raman Spectroscopy (ICORS) in Rome. This premier global forum, held from July 28 to August 2, 2024, brought together leading experts, researchers, and industry pioneers to discuss the latest advancements and applications of Raman spectroscopy—a powerful technique for molecular identification and chemical analysis.
Participating in ICORS was a pivotal moment for CHARM, a European transition project focused on advancing biomedical imaging technologies. This event allowed part of the CHARM team to engage directly with a specialized audience of pathologists and researchers, aligning its goals with the evolving needs of the medical community and staying in sync with cutting-edge developments in the field of digital pathology.
At ICORS 2024, CRI’s team, including its CEO and CHARM coordinator, Matteo Negro, showcased groundbreaking technologies through several key presentations, emphasizing the project’s leadership in coherent Raman microscopy. These innovative solutions, featured in both technical and scientific sessions, demonstrated their potential to revolutionize biomedical imaging and chemometric histology.
Matteo presented a talk titled “Multiplexing Stimulated Raman Microscopy for Biomedical Imaging and Chemometric Histology.” He introduced CRI’s pioneering multiplex SRS systems, including the STRALE laser source and the CHAMP detector. These technologies, integrated into the CORAL imaging system, represent a significant leap forward in acquiring the entire coherent Raman spectrum in a single shot, offering unparalleled sensitivity and speed for bioimaging applications.
Later that day, Matteo also delivered an insightful presentation on “A Plug-and-Play Broadband Coherent Raman Platform,” which highlighted CRI’s innovative broadband stimulated Raman technology and its significant impacts in histopathology. These presentations underscored CHARM’s commitment to advancing cancer diagnostics and supporting pathologists in their crucial work.
Adding to the prominence of CHARM’s presence, Prof. Giulio Cerullo, a scientific advisor for CRI and co-founder of the company, delivered a plenary lecture on combining the speed of coherent Raman spectroscopy with the detailed molecular information of spontaneous Raman. His discussion on the development of commercial broadband SRS microscopes, particularly for clinical applications such as tumor identification, underscored CRI’s and CHARM’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of medical diagnostics.
CRI’s technologies were also featured in a presentation by Dr. Tobias Meyer from the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, showcasing the CRI laser and detector systems as part of collaborative imaging research efforts applied to disease diagnosis. This collaboration highlights the growing recognition and adoption of CRI’s technologies in both academic and clinical settings, further validating their potential to transform biomedical imaging.
Engaging with the Community
In addition to the presentations,CRI had a significant presence in the exhibition area with a dedicated booth that showcased prototypes of their flagship products—CHAMP, STRALE, and the latest innovation, CORAL. The booth attracted significant attention from conference attendees, including researchers, industry professionals, and potential collaborators.
Visitors had the opportunity to experience firsthand the advanced capabilities of CHARM’s products. The hands-on demonstrations provided a deeper understanding of how these technologies could be applied in real-world biomedical research and diagnostics, highlighting CHARM’s cutting-edge approach to coherent Raman imaging.
Reflecting on the event, Matteo Negro stated, “The interactions and networking opportunities at the booth were exceptional, fostering meaningful connections and discussions about the future of Raman spectroscopy and its applications. CHARM’s team engaged with a diverse audience, receiving enthusiastic feedback and interest in potential collaborations.”
The positive reception of CHARM’s technologies at ICORS 2024 not only underscored the project’s innovative edge but also solidified its reputation as a leader in the field. By participating in such a high-profile event, CHARM continues to align its goals with the needs of pathologists and stay at the forefront of digital pathology innovations.