Cardiff University takes a big step towards mercury-free microscopy
Another UK university is saying goodbye to traditional mercury illumination, with CoolLED and trusted reseller K-Tec helping to make the switch to LED.
We're celebrating some fantastic news from Cardiff University, where the Bioimaging Research Hub is preparing to leave mercury-based microscope illumination behind.
With funding secured and new CoolLED LED Illumination Systems on the way, the university is taking a significant step towards safer, more sustainable fluorescence microscopy. And we're delighted to be part of the journey alongside our brilliant UK reseller, K-Tec Microscope Services.
It's exactly the kind of progress we love to see through our No More Mercury campaign, particularly when it comes directly from the microscopy community itself.
Goodbye mercury. Hello LED.
For years, mercury and metal halide lamps have been a familiar sight in fluorescence microscopy laboratories. They've helped support countless discoveries, but they've also brought familiar frustrations: replacement bulbs, warm-up times, fluctuating output, high energy use and hazardous waste.
Cardiff University's decision shows how facilities can move beyond those limitations without having to replace their existing microscopes.
The university has secured £24,000 in Medr funding to support upgrades across its widefield epifluorescence microscopes, with CoolLED pE-300white systems selected to replace legacy mercury illumination.
Great partnerships make great progress possible
We're especially pleased to see this project bringing together Cardiff's Bioimaging Research Hub, CoolLED and K-Tec Microscope Services.
Our reseller partners play an essential role in helping laboratories make practical changes to their equipment. From understanding existing microscope configurations to finding suitable illumination upgrades, their technical knowledge helps make the transition more manageable.
K-Tec has extensive experience in microscope servicing, retrofitting and supporting laboratories across the UK. We're proud to work with a team that shares our enthusiasm for helping researchers get more from their existing equipment.
And congratulations to Dr Tony Hayes and the Cardiff Bioimaging team for recognising the opportunity, securing the funding and moving their plans forward.
One university making the switch is good news. More following suit is even better.
Every facility that moves away from mercury illumination is another step towards a future with less hazardous waste, fewer replacement lamps and more energy-efficient microscopy.
From Aberdeen to Cardiff, change is happening.
Cardiff isn't alone. Earlier this year, the University of Aberdeen's Microscopy and Histology Core Facility completed its own transition to mercury-free illumination, replacing its remaining mercury and metal halide systems with CoolLED technology.
Different universities, different facilities, but a shared ambition to move towards safer, more sustainable microscopy.
Seeing institutions take these steps is hugely encouraging. Each successful project shows other laboratories that making the switch is achievable, often using the microscopes they already know and trust.
We're looking forward to seeing Cardiff's new systems in action and celebrating many more mercury-free milestones in the months ahead.
Ready to say goodbye to mercury?
Read Cardiff University's original announcement, or discover how CoolLED can help your laboratory plan its own transition to LED illumination. Wherever you're starting from, we're here to help.
