What is NeCEN?
The Netherlands Centre for Electron Nanoscopy (NeCEN) is the open access research facility for high-end cryo-electron microscopy in The Netherlands. It offers research institutes and companies, both Dutch and international, access to advanced cryo-electron microscopy and expertise. The cryo-electron microscopes at NeCEN are specifically designed to explore complex biological structures and are used by researchers from academia and industry.
Mission
The mission of NeCEN is to provide access to cutting edge cryo-electron microscopy technology and expertise. NeCEN provides a variety of services, ranging from specimen preparation and data collection to image processing and training. Research institutes and companies are welcome to apply for services at NeCEN.
History
Between 2007 and 2011 experts from eleven organizations in The Netherlands worked closely in a consortium to realize NeCEN. In 2012 it opened its doors and was the first open access, high-end cryo-EM facility in the world. Today, after several changes in organization, NeCEN is embedded within the Leiden Institute of Biology (IBL) as part of the Faculty of Science.
Location
NeCEN is located in the medieval city of Leiden. It is located only 30 minutes from the international airport Schiphol, that is served by airlines from all over Europe. Leiden is also easily accessible by train and car.