Press Release

ZEISS launches new microscopy training program featuring VR technology

VR-based training kit designed for seamless implementation across institutions

26 March 2026

Through VR, participants explore system components, design experiments, troubleshoot workflows, and test their knowledge in a risk-free environment.
Interactive e-learning modules provide step-by-step tutorials, quizzes, and video demonstrations to reinforce key concepts and ensure knowledge retention.
Participants engage in hands-on training with the latest ZEISS microscopes, gaining practical experience in optimizing workflows and troubleshooting imaging challenges.
Field experts share application-focused presentations, case studies, and strategies to extract more insights from imaging data.

Jena, Germany | 26 March 2026 | ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions

ZEISS, in partnership with Durham University and University of Glasgow, is proud to announce the joint development and launch of a VR-based microscopy training program. This collaborative effort is designed to empower professionals with cutting-edge skills in microscopy imaging. The program combines immersive Virtual Reality (VR) modules, interactive e-learning, hands-on sessions with ZEISS systems, and expert-led talks to deliver a comprehensive learning experience.

Participants gain hands-on experience using ZEISS VR modules to resolve workflow challenges, design experiments, and optimize imaging processes in a risk-free setting.
The VR-based training program from ZEISS enables participants to explore microscopy workflows in an immersive virtual environment, ensuring seamless implementation across institutions.

Empowering professionals across academia and industry

The VR-based training program is tailored for researchers, imaging professionals, and industry specialists who need reliable imaging data to support their projects and workflows. Participants gain expertise in generating reproducible imaging data, a critical skill for advancing R&D, assay development, quality control, and technical support workflows.

The program is designed for a wide range of participants, including academic researchers and industry professionals. No prior microscopy experience is required, making the program suitable for both beginners and experienced users.

“This training program is a game-changer for microscopy education. By combining immersive virtual reality with hands-on experience, participants not only master the technical aspects but also gain the confidence to tackle real-world imaging challenges. It's incredibly rewarding to see researchers and professionals leave equipped with skills they can immediately apply to their workflows,” said Dr. Tim Hawkins, Head of the Core Bioimaging Facility in the Department of Biosciences at Durham University.

System-agnostic training for versatile application

While the program features cutting-edge microscope systems from ZEISS, the training emphasizes system-agnostic principles, ensuring participants can apply their knowledge across any microscopy platform.

The next course at Durham University is scheduled for June 25-26, 2026. For more information or to register, email vrconfocalcourse@durham.ac.uk.

This comprehensive training program is available for purchase by imaging facilities, laboratories, and other institutions. Designed for convenience, it can be conducted at the location of choice, ensuring flexibility and accessibility to meet institutional needs.

For more information, email courses.microscopy.de@zeiss.com.

Press Contact Kristin Unger ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions

About ZEISS

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totaling almost 12 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, and Consumer Markets (September 30, 2025).

For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces, and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world's leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses, and binoculars.

With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare, and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company's significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS' technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 15 percent of its revenue in research and development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is also an investment in the future.

With over 46,600 employees, ZEISS is active globally in around 50 countries with more than 60 sales and service locations, around 40 research and development facilities, and 30 production facilities worldwide (September 30, 2025). Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG.

Further information at www.zeiss.com

ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions

ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions is the leading provider of light, electron, X-ray microscope systems, correlative microscopy and software solutions leveraging AI technologies. The portfolio comprises of products and services for life sciences, materials and industrial research, as well as education and clinical routine applications. The unit is headquartered in Jena. Additional production and development sites are located in Germany, UK, USA, China and Switzerland. ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions is part of the Industrial Quality & Research segment.

Further information at www.zeiss.com/microscopy

About Durham University

Durham University is a collegiate public research university in Durham, England, incorporated by Royal Charter in 1837. Durham is a globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting.

About University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow, as world top 100 university and member of the prestigious Russell Group of leading UK research universities, is renowned for its research excellence, high-quality teaching and global impact. As a globally connected university the University works in partnership with others across the world to advance global solutions to real world problems.

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ZEISS VR modules

Participants gain hands-on experience using ZEISS VR modules to resolve workflow challenges, design experiments, and optimize imaging processes in a risk-free setting.

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ZEISS VR training program

The VR-based training program from ZEISS enables participants to explore microscopy workflows in an immersive virtual environment, ensuring seamless implementation across institutions.

2 MB

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