Honourable mention for a microscopy photograph highlights strength of Temerty Medicine’s imaging team

Tong Zhang, light microscopy coordinator at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine Microscopy Imaging Lab (MIL), recently received an honourable mention in the 6th Evident (formerly Olympus) Annual Image of the Year Competition.

His image was the only Canadian submission recognized this year.

This competition invites specialists to submit their best light microscopy images, which are evaluated by a panel of judges with expertise in imaging or photography. Judges consider factors such as colour, composition and the complexity of the imaging techniques used.

Zhang’s multi-coloured photograph of a crab zoea—the first larval stage of a crab—was captured using a confocal microscope with Z-stack imaging to create a three-dimensional view. The image reveals remarkable detail, particularly given that zoeae are usually less than one millimetre in size.

“It’s a real privilege to be recognized,” said Zhang. “Microscopy is both a science and an art, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to both.”

Arthur Mortha, director of light microscopy at Temerty Medicine’s MIL and Zhang’s supervisor, is impressed with Zhang’s work. “It clearly shows that we have strong talent running our core facility,” said Mortha, who is also a professor of immunology. 

Zhang’s recognition comes as demand grows for advanced microscopy capabilities in life sciences research. 

Justin Nodwell, vice dean, Research and Health Science Education and professor of biochemistry, said that Temerty Medicine is investing in infrastructure, equipment and personnel to support growing demand. 

“Tong’s award highlights the superb talent of our people,” Nodwell said, echoing Mortha’s sentiment. “It’s also a reflection of the strength we’re continuing to build in our imaging capabilities.”

He added that “the rejuvenation of our core facilities is one of the most important goals we have in this faculty,” pointing to both new infrastructure and the expertise required to support it. “The personnel we’re recruiting into the core facilities will have a huge impact on the science we do across the faculty,” he said.

The MIL, located in the Medical Sciences Building near Queen’s Park in Toronto, offers comprehensive light and electron microscopy imaging capabilities to researchers. Services can be carried out entirely by MIL staff, or researchers may be trained to operate equipment independently.

“It’s a thrilling time to be a life sciences researcher,” said Mortha. “We’re really excited to see the discoveries that our MIL and its staff will facilitate in the coming years.”