IN REVIEW 2014 Company developments Key events New partnership and cooperation Supporting science and education

Transcription

1 IN REVIEW Company developments Key events New partnership and cooperation Supporting science and education

2 Contents Company Profile...4 OPTEC Geography...5 Strategic Partners...7 Company Development OPTEC in Ukraine: 10 Years of Success in the Market of Solutions for Science, Education, Industry, and Healthcare. Kiev, Ukraine. October The Nobel Prize in Chemistry Awarded for Super-Resolved Fluorescence Microscopy. Stockholm, Sweden. December Confocal Club Website, Information Resource for Hi-End Microscopy, Launched. May New Applications Section Launched at OPTEC Website. December In, OPTEC made more than 15 video tutorials on advanced microscopy technology and analytical studies in biology and materials science and solutions in medicine and industrial metrology An Integrated Quality Management System Introduced in the Service Department Molecular Biology, a New OPTEC Business Segment. Russia, CIS, Georgia Support for Science and Education / Cooperation More Than 120 Experts in Nanotechnology and Bionanotechnology Attended the International STRANN- Conference in St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg, Russia. April A Cooperation Agreement Signed between MSU Department of Physics, Carl Zeiss Microscopy, and OPTEC. Moscow, Russia. January Cooperation Agreement Signed between North Caucasus Federal University and OPTEC. Stavropol, Russia. May Nazarbayev University, Carl Zeiss AG, and OPTEC Signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement. Astana, Kazakhstan. September Support for Science and Education / Grants Young Scientists Received Support under OPTEC Grant Program for Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Krasnodar, Kiev. April Key Events in / Medicine / Microsurgery International Consulting Center for Investigating the Use of Intraoperative Radiation Therapy in Malignant Tumor Treatment Established at Clinical Oncological Center No. 1 in Krasnodar. Krasnodar. September For the First Time in History, Irkutsk Surgeons Performed Surgery Using the ZEISS OPMI Pentero 900 Microscope with TRENION 3D Technology. Irkutsk, Russia. October Key Events in / Medicine / Ophthalmology Reference Center for Diagnosing Eye Diseases Established in Medical Center AVICENNA in Novosibirsk. Novosibirsk, Russia. April Education Center for Advanced Femtosecond Laser Technology Opened in Irkutsk Branch of the Interbranch Scientific and Technical Complex. Irkutsk, Russia. September The ZEISS OPMI Lumera 700 microscope is used for complex eye surgeries in the Center of Excellence for Prevention of Childhood Blindness. Yerevan, Armenia. September Ophthalmic Lasers Installed in Perinatal Centers in Kazakhstan for Treating Newborns. Almaty, Kazakhstan. October Electron Microscope Used for Fundamental Research in Ophthalmology in the Research Institute for Eye Diseases (RAMS). Moscow, Russia Key Events in / Materials Science ZEISS Microscopes Used to Restore an Unique Collection of Gold Hairpins Owned by Catherine II. St. Petersburg, Russia. December First in Russia Double-Beam ZEISS Crossbeam 540 Workstation with RAITH ELPHY Multibeam Lithography System Installed in IKBFU. Kaliningrad, Russia. December Key Events in / Biological Technology / Cell Technology For the First Time in Russia the ambr Micro Bioreactor System Installed in the International Biotechnology Center Generium. Vladimir Region, Russia. August CompacT Select Automated Cell Line Research Complex Launched in FEFU School of Biomedicine. Vladivostok, Russia. November Key Events in / Biological Technology / Microscopy / Clinical Pathology OPTEC Took Part in Equipping the New Research and Development Center for Fundamental and Applied Bioecology and Biotechnology. Ulyanovsk, Russia The Tomsk State Universities Advances Cell and Regenerative Medicine Projects. Tomsk, Russia Microscopy to Help Kazan Scientists Study the History of Our Planet in the New Laboratory for Paleoclimatology, Paleoecology and Paleomagnetism. Kazan, Russia. May Children s City Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Krasnodar Introduces High Technology Molecular Genetic Testing Methods. Krasnodar, Russia. July Key Events in / Industrial Metrology ZEISS Coordinate Measuring Machines Serving Leading Industrial Enterprises in Russia. Russia Key Events in / Interdisciplinary Projects OPTEC Developed Unique System for Remote Testing of Materials with Extremely High Radioactivity. Russia

3 Dear friends, In my opening address, I would like once again to say a few words about the most outstanding and significant events that marked another milestone in the history of OPTEC and our partners. The year was full of events and we all had to face numerous challenges. Economic challenges called for concerted, efficient, and professional efforts of the entire OPTEC team. Despite the demanding market environment, our company still sticks to its priorities: to keep and increase market share, support and develop state-of-the-art technology in science, education, medicine, and industry, and provide first class services to customers who chose OPTEC. We have always been inspired by OPTEC mission: to establish and develop long-term partner relations with our customers based on trust and cooperation, to help our partners achieve excellence in their fields of activity. Support for science and education continues to be at the core of OPTEC strategy. In, Carl Zeiss and OPTEC signed trilateral cooperation agreements with the Department of Physics of Moscow State University and Nazarbayev University in Astana (Republic of Kazakhstan) where the delegation from Carl Zeiss was headed by Thomas Spitzenpfeil, a member of the Executive Board of Carl Zeiss AG. OPTEC also entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with the North Caucasus Federal University to open a consulting center at the premises of the Shared Knowledge Center. We continue to work closely with Baku State University: OPTEC takes part in concept development and equipment supplies to the High Technology Center. As before, our company is entrusted with challenging integrated projects in leading universities in Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Azerbaijan, which OPTEC has been implementing successfully. Our long-term partnership with the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences has resulted in a cross-disciplinary project to supply equipment to universities, laboratories, and research centers in Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Blagoveshchensk, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, and Komsomolsk-on-Amur. We delivered high-tech equipment from the best global manufacturers such as Carl Zeiss, Oxford Instruments, Rigaku, Bruker, Thermo Scientific, and Horiba. Unique innovative strategies were integrated into many projects. Kurchatov Institute was the first in Russia to use the CAMECA LEAP atom probe to study the atomic structure in a microscopic volume of substance. This is where OPTEC developed a remotely controlled loading system for radioactive samples to be used in high-precision research equipment. Another OPTEC project worth mentioning is the installation of CAMECA IMS-7f, the latest ultra high-precision ion mass spectrometer, in the Moscow Institute for Physical Research. At the same time, OPTEC installed the Raith lithography workstation with the sample processing and preparation system in Bauman Moscow State Technical University. The first scanning transmission electron microscope for handling biological samples is now used in the Scientific Research Institute of Physical-Chemical Medicine under the Federal Medical and Biological Agency. In, OPTEC worked closely with scientific and educational institutions in the CIS countries. The company became a strategic partner of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan for a project to supply equipment to the Center for Radiation Research. Another landmark in our history this year was the possibility to team up with Nazarbayev University, in particular, the Center for Life Sciences, in areas such as translational medicine, natural ageing, global healthcare, genomic and personalized medicine, bioinformatics, regenerative medicine, artificial organs, bioengineering, cell-based therapy, and innovative cell technology. The Center is equipped with advanced Carl Zeiss microscope systems, including light and laser scanning microscopes, which make it possible to study molecular and cell mechanisms for neurodegenerative diseases. OPTEC played an active role in international scientific and educational events. Among these events was the 4th International Conference State-of-the-Art Trends of Scientific Research of 2 Year in Review

4 Artificial and Natural Nano-Objects (STRANN-). This year, the conference was assigned a special status of an official European scientific event within the framework of the EU-Russia Year of Science. The Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases (I-Stem) from France chose us as their Russian coordinator for an international project to create a global haplobank of induced pluripotent cells with the leading institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences and universities. We participated in the most significant international events of the year acting as a mediator between the Russian and international medical and academic communities at the European Congress of Ophthalmology and the European Congress of Forensic Sciences. We believe that this activity is our way to implement OPTEC humanitarian mission, that is, to consolidate advanced knowledge in life sciences and materials in order to facilitate scientific progress and improve the quality of life. New quality control technology in the automotive industry is introduced mostly through state-of-the-art optical and contact measuring equipment. On behalf of Bruker Corporation and Carl Zeiss Department for Industrial Metrology, OPTEC took part in launching new car models at the production facilities of VW, Ford, and Mercedes in the Russian Federation. We work hard to optimize and automate business processes by investing in our spare parts depot and special tools and providing regular training for our service engineers. Another area of focus for OPTEC is the development of the corporate communications system. New website sections, master class videos, and our demonstration center bring us closer to those who buy and use our systems and solutions. The year was the anniversary year for our offices in Kiev, Novosibirsk, and Almaty. By the way, our Moscow office will mark its 15th anniversary in Our company has successfully withstood the test of time, and the credit for this undoubtedly goes to our customers who strive for excellence in all spheres of their business and to our partners who produce one-of-a-kind high-tech equipment. This is because of you that OPTEC continues to maintain its positions as a provider of state-of-the-art technology. Thank you for your interest to our company and for our valuable contribution to improving the quality of human life and facilitating scientific progress. Maxim Igelnik, OPTEC General Manager in Russia, CIS and Georgia Our top grade professionals train personnel, develop and deploy application software. It is interesting to note that Carl Zeiss IMT entrusted us with putting metrology equipment in operation on its behalf under several international projects. We are always open to new challenges, exciting projects, and innovative solutions. For example, this year we started cooperating with Sartorius, a major German producer, in the field of biotechnology and Transgenomic in the field of molecular biology, which gave a start to a complementary solution in the innovative area of molecular visualization. Together with Carl Zeiss, we added special X-Radia imaging systems to our X-ray optics portfolio for geochronology and oil production applications. In addition to external relations, the company continues to improve its corporate processes. Service development was one of our top priorities in and will remain in the focus in

5 Company Profile OUR MISSION OPTEC is a supplier of high-technology solutions for various areas of science, education, medicine, and industry. Our objective is to establish and develop long-term partner relations with our customers based on trust and cooperation. Our strategy is to help our partners achieve excellence in their fields of activity. WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE Our success stems from the synergy of the talent and experience of our employees coupled with high-tech equipment presented on the market. OPTEC is a team that works like a single, well-coordinated mechanism. All our solutions for our partners are unique and use state-of-the-art achievements of modern technology in all areas of our activity. Creativity, mutual respect, and partnership within the company is the fundamental principle of our work and the key to success. What makes us still more unique is over 100 years of Carl Zeiss successful work in Russia and the CIS countries continued by OPTEC. 4 Year in Review

6 OPTEC Geography St. Petersburg Kishinev The Republic of Moldova Minsk Belarus Kiev Ukraine Krasnodar Moscow Nizhny Novgorod Kazan Yekaterinburg Russia Georgia Tbilisi Armenia Erevan Azerbaijan Baku Uzbekistan Tashkent Kazakhstan Almaty Novosibirsk Vladivostok 5

7 Company Profile AREAS OF COMPANY S BUSINESS Medicine Biological Technology Nanotechnology Cryotechnology and Research in Superconductivity Materials Science: Study of Material Structure and Properties Metrology and Standardization Clinical Pathology Planetariums and Observatories 3D Visualization 6 Year in Review

8 Company Profile STRATEGIC PARTNERS Carl Zeiss A global leader in optical microscopy, laser scanning microscopy, ophthalmology equipment, surgical microscopes, electron microscopes, and instrumentation. Thermo Fischer Scientific A full range of high-quality analytical equipment, including laboratory equipment, software, consumables, and reagents for efficient operations and research. Instruments and reagents for immunohistochemical research, histological and autopsy equipment. Raith Offers innovative solutions in nanolithography, scanning electron microscopy, and focused ion beam lithography. The company partners with original equipment manufacturers in the semiconductor industry and microsystem technology. The company also offers proprietary products for analytics, fault and examination analysis. Oxford Instruments NanoAnalysis Focuses on the development, manufacture, and maintenance of tools and systems for industrial applications, scientific research, education, power generation, aerospace, defense, and healthcare. Bruker Manufacturer of high-quality scientific tools and solutions for both molecular and material research, as well as for industrial and applied analysis. The principles of scanning tunneling microscopy developed by Nobel Prize winners Gerd Binnig and Heinrich Rohrer were first implemented as an industrial sample by Digital Instruments (today Bruker Nano Surface Division). 7

9 Company Profile STRATEGIC PARTNERS 3DHistech Manufacturer of digital scanners and software, founded under the auspices of Budapest University. Created the world s first E-School e-learning program for future biologists, cytologists, and geneticists. CM Technologies Provides an innovative system for cells dynamic analysis for scientific research in genetics, immunology, proteomics, physiology, and embryology. Founded on the basis of Tampere University of Technology, the company developed a unique system for observing living cells in a culture. TAP Biosystems Founded within Cambridge University, the company has been developing automated systems to work with cell cultures for over 20 years. The company s product range includes Ambr bioreactor systems, CompacT SelecT, CellBase CT, and Cellmate automated machines for seeding, expanding and harvesting stem cells. Rigaku A global leader in powder and thin-film diffraction, spectrometry, small angle scattering, protein and small molecule crystallography, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray optics, semiconductor metrology, automation, X-ray sources, computer tomography, non-destructive testing, and thermal analysis. Cameca Tools for micro- and nanoelement analysis based on EPMA (Electron Probe Micro Analyser), SIMS (Secondary ION MASS Spectrometer), LEXES (Low Energy Emission Spectrometer), and APТ (Atom Probe Tomography). 8 Year in Review BioNavis Manufacturer of analytical equipment for studying kinetics and biomolecular interactions based on Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) technology. BioNavis was founded in 2006 on the basis of the Technical Research Center of Finland (VTT).

10 Company Profile STRATEGIC PARTNERS Nanoscribe Nanoscribe GmbH, a manufacturer of unique laser systems for 3D lithography, was founded in 2007 by a group of leading scientists from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology who specialize in photonics and metamaterial research. Using a double photon polymerization technology, Nanoscribe experts created a desktop laser lithography system that facilitates the generation of 3D structures on a micro- and nanolevel. This is a powerful platform for performing various applied tasks, such as element construction in microoptics, microcapillary research, photonics, optoelectronics, material research, life sciences, cell technology, biomimetics, etc. SEC Founded in 1991, SEC is now a leader in the production of analytical equipment: non-destructive X-ray analysis systems and scanning electron microscopy. OPTEC presents minisem universal desktop electron microscopes with unrivaled image quality, close to the level of specifications of floor standing initial level models. Transgenomic, Inc. A company advancing molecular biology and personalized medicine in cardiology, oncology, and hereditary diseases through its proprietary molecular technologies and world-class clinical and research services. The company is the global leader in cardiac genetic testing with a family of innovative products designed to detect gene mutations which indicate cardiac disorders, or which can lead to serious adverse events. The company actively develops new technology to strengthen its leadership in personalized medicine. LEEDS FORENSIC SYSTEMS The company designs and manufactures comparison microscopes and imaging systems for forensic laboratories all over the world. Comparison microscopes made by LEEDS include Discovery, LCF3, and LCF2 firearms and tool marks comparison microscopes, and LCT trace evidence comparison microscopes. 9

11 Company Development OPTEC in Ukraine: 10 Years of Success in the Market of Solutions for Science, Education, Industry, and Healthcare Kiev, Ukraine October OPTEC celebrated its tenth anniversary in Ukraine where OPTEC continues the business started by Carl Zeiss in The company offers optical and electro-optical equipment by leading global manufacturers and is the exclusive representative of Carl Zeiss, Thermo Fisher Scientific, 3DHistech, and other OPTEC partners. OPTEC is committed to enhancing cooperation with scientific, medical, and educational centers in Ukraine. As part of this commitment, joint reference centers were opened at the VISUS Modern Ophthalmology Clinic in Zaporizhia, the Bakul Institute for Superhard Materials under the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and at the German School Kiev. The company pays special attention to training programs for medical professionals, with a focus on the equipment supplied by the company. OPTEC supports the Ukrainian Association of Otologists, Otoneurosurgeons and Otoneurologists in the organization of regular practical courses for Ukrainian doctors and their foreign colleagues. The Neurosurgery Department of the Shchupik National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education in Kiev has a classroom with equipment that allows young doctors to improve their practical skills. Regular workshops for dentists are conducted in private clinics in Lviv and Poltava. OPTEC works closely with charity associations and funds in Ukraine to support social initiatives and programs for tuberculosis, eye care, and oncology. The company is proud of a unique project supporting school education currently implemented in cooperation with the German School Kiev (GSK). The work of GSK students using Carl Zeiss microscopes became winners of an international natural science conference in Berlin. Today, the OPTEC team in Ukraine consists of 20 professionals, including 5 service engineers who were trained in specialized centers in Germany and are well placed to service and repair any kind of complex equipment. 10

12 OPTEC team, Kiev, Ukraine Today, a significant number of microsurgical operations in Ukraine are performed using ZEISS microscopes, including the top model, ZEISS OPMI Pentero. For an increasingly large number of healthcare institutions, Carl Zeiss equipment is a synonym for quality, the guarantee of high performance, doctors preferred choice, and patients confidence. Olesya Podkolzina, Director, OPTEC Ukraine 11

13 Company Development The Nobel Prize in Chemistry Awarded for Super-Resolved Fluorescence Microscopy Stockholm, Sweden December The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for to Stefan W. Hell (Germany), Eric Betzig (USA), and William E. Moerner (USA) for the development of super-resolved fluorescence microscopy. The microscopy method known as PALM (photoactivated localization microscopy) and developed by Eric Betzig and Harald Hess is implemented in ZEISS ELYRA, the visualization system for superresolution. In Russia, the first PALM-based system was installed in the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, in the advanced membrane protein research laboratory. The technology developed by the Nobel Laureates enables modern light microscopes to overcome the physical limits in resolution and observe processes in living cells in the range of 10 nanometers. This scale corresponds to the size of individual proteins and large molecules. Earlier in, the ZEISS ELYRA P.1 system with the 3D-PALM module was selected by the expert judges and editors of R&D Magazine as a recipient of a R&D 100 Award. The patented exclusive PALM technology of ZEISS ELYRA P.1 is regarded as one of 100 most significant high-technology products introduced in the past year. Since 2002, ZEISS has won one of the renowned awards every year. 12

14 Announcement of the Nobel Prize Laureates in Chemistry for In what has become known as nanoscopy, scientists visualize the pathways of individual molecules inside living cells. They can see how molecules create synapses between nerve cells in the brain; they can track proteins involved in Parkinson s, Alzheimer s and Huntington s diseases as they aggregate. From the press release by the Nobel Committee 13

15 Company Development Confocal Club Website, Information Resource for Hi-End Microscopy, Launched May An interactive resource dedicated to high-end microscopy was launched on the Internet: The resource is intended primarily for professionals who work with modern confocal microscopes and superresolution systems, but it will also be useful for young scientists, students, and graduates who want to build a career in the field of bioimaging and those who are interested in advanced microscopy technology. In recent years, laser scanning microscopy has evolved from a unique research technology available only to a narrow circle of experts to a widespread method of exploration of the living microcosm. The number of those who use confocal laser scanning microscopes in research centers, institutes, and universities is growing. At the same time, many professionals face challenges in choosing the method of sample preparation, painting, experimental setup, and conducting experiments. Moreover, many new opportunities for the study of biological objects emerge almost every single day, due to the rapid development in technology. The Confocal Club website is an information platform where the users can share their experience, debate, discuss bioimaging tools and techniques, and consult with experts and other microscope users. The Confocal Club website is based on the principle of active participation of registered users who provide relevant content for the resource. The portal allows you to create your own profile, upload pictures and videos obtained using the devices, share news and information about events, post materials for discussion, and share interesting links. Live communication is possible in the Club s group on the LinkedIn professional social network. The proposal to create a Russian resource for bioimaging professionals was first made at the first meeting of the Confocal Club in Novosibirsk. In October, the seventh Confocal Microscopy School session and a round table meeting of the Confocal Club were held in Novosibirsk at the premises of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The new information resource was presented during these events. 14

16 Confocal Club is a community of experts united by the idea of developing the knowledge base for confocal microscopy and making the existing equipment available to a wider range of Russian scientists. The Club s initiatives include regular lectures, workshops, and master classes in confocal microscopy in leading scientific and educational institutions throughout Russia. In addition, Confocal Microscopy School sessions are held on a regular basis with the Club s assistance. Nikolay Akimov, Head of Laser Scanning Microscopy Department, OPTEC 15

17 Company Development New Applications Section Launched at OPTEC Website December A new Applications section was added to the corporate website, The section contains professional articles and scientific papers published by users of equipment and solutions represented by OPTEC. Works of the winners of grant competitions held by OPTEC to support young scientists will be also posted there. For the convenience of visitors, the new section is divided into three categories: Academic Papers with papers written according to the rules to scientific articles and published in scientific journals; Applications describing the features and results of hands-on and research applications of equipment, and Technology Review with reviews of particular technology specifics and benefits for solving practical problems. 16

18 I believe that the new website section will be helpful to users of solutions and equipment represented by OPTEC, and for anyone interested in high technology in science, education, healthcare, and industry. Oleg Izmaylov, Head of Marketing Department, OPTEC 17

19 Company Development In, OPTEC made more than 15 video tutorials on advanced microscopy technology and analytical studies in biology and materials science and solutions in medicine and industrial metrology. In, OPTEC continued mastering Internet communication technology. More than 15 videos of master classes in light, confocal, and laser scanning microscopy in biology, electron and atomic force microscopy in materials science, and the use of coordinate measuring machines in industrial metrology are available on YouTube for the general public ( and for registered Confocal Club users ( Most of the master classes were given in cooperation with leading Russian universities and scientific and educational centers such as Kazan Federal University, the Institute of Cytology and Genetics (Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences), the Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Microelectronics Technology and High-Purity Materials of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and together with Bruker Nano, an OPTEC partner and manufacturer of atomic force microscopes and profilometers. OPTEC experts give regular master classes on how to use state-of-the-art equipment and solutions offered by the company. Detailed master class videos are a chance for a broad user community to learn first-hand about new methods of operation and advanced equipment using the Internet. 18

20 Master Class Video: ZEISS LSM 780: 3D Reconstruction of Biological Objects (Sergey Yachmenev, Uros Krzic,, Kazan Federal University) Technology used in OPTEC solutions is developing at a rapid pace. Our mission is to exploit all opportunities to give our users the most up-to-date information about recent achievements of our partners and promote an open and meaningful dialog in the professional community. Oleg Izmaylov, Head of Marketing Department, OPTEC 19

21 Company Development An Integrated Quality Management System Launched in the Service Department In, OPTEC s Service Department underwent certain qualitative changes meant to introduce and optimize business processes in the Department. A single contact call center was established in the Department to receive requests and deal with issues that may arise in the process. All requests received by the operators are assigned a unique number and status that may be tracked later by the user. The requests are recorded in ServiceDesk, the integrated information system. Service requests are allocated in the best way possible, according to the type of work required and availability of service engineers. All company engineers can access ServiceDesk remotely to track all new assignments in real time. Training planning for OPTEC service engineers is treated as a separate business process and integrated in the Department s single information system. Throughout, the Department took steps to optimize the spare parts stock. The Department made a thorough analysis of works completed over the last three years and made lists of the most highly demanded spare parts to estimate their required stock. The best possible level of stock in spare parts depots allows the company to reduce time necessary to respond to the most popular requests to a few days, from the moment the company receives a request till the moment it actually starts working on it. In addition, the Department upgraded its stock of service tools and decided to buy the entire recommended set of tools for engineers immediately after training. In 2015, the Department plans to have all service tools owned by the company verified and calibrated. Business process optimization in the Department will continue in Customer satisfaction will be the key criterion of successful implementation of the quality management system. In, together with OPTEC s Marketing Department, the Service Department conducted primary customer loyalty research. The research findings will be used to manage the Department s operation in the future. 20

22 Kirill Masalsky, Head of OPTEC Service Support, Director of OPTEC Northwest Branch Office, at a meeting in the Service Department The year saw a large-scale analytical effort to get ready for changes in the Service Department. As part of this effort, we examined our customers attitude toward what the Department is doing and analyzed our operations over the last three years. All changes that are introduced and will be introduced in the Department are primarily focused on improving customer satisfaction. Our priorities are request response rates, qualification of our engineers, performance quality, and the capacity to tackle any challenge no matter how complicated it is and provide the widest range of services. Dmitry Chupyra, Deputy Head, Service Department, OPTEC 21

23 Company Development Partners Molecular Biology, a New OPTEC Business Segment Russia, CIS Transgenomic (USA), a manufacturer of unique systems for molecular biology, and OPTEC, a supplier of high-technology solutions for science, industry, and medicine, signed an agreement making OPTEC a sales partner for Transgenomic equipment in the regions of the company s operations. To its new Molecular Biology segment, OPTEC has added Transgenomic WAVE 4500 System, an efficient detection system for known and unknown genetic mutations in oncology, cardiology, neurology, and hereditary pathologies. This is a fully automated, highly sensitive and accurate system. WAVE operates by analyzing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products and screening mutations using denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC). In WAVE, DNA fragments are pre-screened to detect mutations, DNA fractions are quantified, and mutated fragments are selected for further studies of their nature by sequencing. Molecular genetic testing for oncological and hereditary diseases is one of the key applications for the system. Pre-screening for mutations prior to DNA sequencing saves time and money and allows customers to optimize molecular genetic testing to a large extent. Depending on the conditions, the detected concentration of mutated DNA vs. wild type DNA may be as low as 1%, with accuracy and reproducibility of results exceeding 98%. The technology offers another unique advantage: special software that automatically creates PCR protocols, selects primers, and provides conditions for WAVE-based analysis for any gene from global molecular databases. The WAVE solution was first presented by Transgenomic in 1997 and has since proven its worth in the world s largest medical and scientific centers. By now, more than 1,600 systems have been installed in laboratories across the globe. 22

24 Joachim Fischer, Application Engineer, Transgenomic The first generation of WAVE systems appeared in 1997, and now we are presenting the third generation. All this time we have been making improvements to the equipment and software based on our own experience and feedback from our customers. Russia has a powerful school of molecular biology and medicine. I am confident that our solution will be put to good use here, both in research and applications. Dr. Joachim Fischer, Application Engineer, Transgenomic 23

25 Support for Science and Education Cooperation More Than 120 Experts in Nanotechnology and Bionanotechnology Attended the International STRANN- Conference in St. Petersburg St. Petersburg, Russia April St. Petersburg hosted the 4th International Conference State-of-the-Art Trends of Scientific Research of Artificial and Natural Nano-Objects (STRANN-). Oral and poster presentations were attended by more than 120 scientists, graduates, and students from leading universities and research institutions in Europe, Asia, the USA, Russia, and the CIS. This year, the conference was held within the framework of the EU-Russia Year of Science. The conference was organized by St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg National Research University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics, and OPTEC. STRANN- featured an extensive agenda with a lot of invited reports. In total, the participants listened to 20 invited reports of scientists from Russia, Germany, France, the Netherlands, the UK, the USA, China, and Israel. The event program included a hands-on day with a visit to the Shared Knowledge Center of the Interdisciplinary Resource Center (IRC) for Nanotechnology in the Scientific Research Institute for Physics of the Department of Physics, St. Petersburg State University. The attendees could see Russia s only ZEISS ORION helium ion microscope in action. As in past years, IRC research findings, including those obtained with the help of helium ion microscopy, were presented at the STRANN- conference during oral and poster presentations. STRANN- was attended by young scientists from Russia and the CIS countries, who received OPTEC s grants in 2012/2013. Scientists whose projects received the highest scores were entitled to compensation for travel expenses and conference fees as part of their grant. 24

26 Dr. Peter Gnauck, Carl Zeiss Microscopy, is moderating the oral presentation section at STRANN- STRANN- is traditionally held in St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg State University. St. Petersburg National Research University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics, and OPTEC are among the organizers of the conference. 25

27 Support for Science and Education Cooperation A Cooperation Agreement Signed between MSU Department of Physics, Carl Zeiss Microscopy, and OPTEC Moscow, Russia January A trilateral cooperation agreement has been signed in Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU) between MSU Department of Physics, Carl Zeiss Microscopy, and OPTEC. MSU Department of Physics, Carl Zeiss Microscopy, and OPTEC confirm their intentions regarding cooperation and technology partnership in education and professional development in areas such as physics, engineering, biophysics, nuclear physics, materials science, and physical chemistry. The parties have reached a number of agreements, including on regular research and practical workshops, master classes, scientific conferences, and other events for MSU employees, graduates, and students, professionals from OPTEC and Carl Zeiss, and international experts in relevant fields of science. As part of the event, Carl Zeiss Microscopy and OPTEC representatives visited the cryoelectronics laboratory of MSU Department of Physics. A joint Lithology and Microscopy Training Center will be set here. Back in 2013, MSU Department of Physics took up the baton of the scientific and practical marathon dedicated to the 110th anniversary of Carl Zeiss in Russia. These days, lectures and master classes in innovative microscopy technologies were also given in the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Fundamental Medicine of Moscow State University. It should be noted that every year MSU students, graduates, and employees take part in the grant program organized by OPTEC to support young scientists. In 2013, nine academic papers from different MSU departments won the grant competition. Two of the papers received the highest score (12 out of 12). 26

28 The agreement was signed by Professor Nikolay Sysoyev, Dean of MSU Department of Physics, Dr. Ulrich Simon, CEO of Carl Zeiss Microscopy, and Maxim Igelnik, OPTEC General Manager in Russia and the CIS. Students of MSU Department of Physics receive classical fundamental education in eight Department divisions: experimental and theoretical physics, applied mathematics, solid state physics, radiophysics and electronics, nuclear physics, geophysics, astronomy, and further education, with a total of 40 chairs. This is where research is conducted almost in all existing areas of experimental and theoretical physics. 27

29 Support for Science and Education Cooperation Cooperation Agreement Signed between North Caucasus Federal University and OPTEC Stavropol, Russia May Alina Levitskaya, Rector of the North Caucasus Federal University (NCFU), and Maxim Igelnik, OPTEC General Manager, signed several cooperation agreements: a general agreement for cooperation, an agreement under which a consulting center will be set at the premises of the Shared Knowledge Center (SKC) in NCFU, and an equipment transfer agreement. NCFU and OPTEC are planning to hold a number of joint scientific conferences, workshops, and master classes in light, laser scanning, electron, and atomic force microscopy in such fields of science as biology, medicine, materials science, nanotechnology, and others. According to one of the agreements, a Consulting Center for Microscopy and Analytical Research Technology will be opened with the participation of OPTEC. In addition, OPTEC will provide NCFU with five modern light microscopes. This equipment can be used for cross-disciplinary scientific research by scientists working in different fields, for example, physicists and biologists. NCFU Rector Alina Levitskaya said that thanks to OPTEC, the University now has a direct link with global brands that supply modern equipment to leading research and education centers. 28

30 Alina Levitskaya, Rector of the North Caucasus Federal University (NCFU), and Maxim Igelnik, OPTEC General Manager, Signed Cooperation Agreements We can equip our laboratories with the best instruments and we are forming a professional community that provides opportunities for more of-the-moment scientific publications and participation in international conferences, as well as for cooperation with other reliable partners of OPTEC. One of the agreements we have signed today suggests that a Center will be established at our University to help the entire university community of the Caucasus and adjacent territories to obtain the necessary skills and qualifications to use such equipment effectively. Alina Levitskaya, NCFU Rector 29

31 Support for Science and Education Cooperation Nazarbayev University, Carl Zeiss AG, and OPTEC Signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement Astana, Kazakhstan September Nazarbayev University, Carl Zeiss AG, and OPTEC, a company representing Carl Zeiss in Kazakhstan, have signed a strategic cooperation agreement. As part of the agreement, a joint competence center in microscopy will be opened in Nazarbayev University. The center will serve as a platform for sharing knowledge and expertise in the field of innovations, particularly in the fields of biology and bioengineering, physics, chemistry, medicine and medical technology, nanotechnology, materials science, microscopy, and nanotomography. Also, Nazarbayev University scientists will have an opportunity to visit world s leading science centers that are using state-of-the-art equipment made by Cart Zeiss under the cooperation program to share their experience. In addition, the most advanced research equipment is expected to be tested in the University, and University employees will be able to provide recommendations for application of new high technology equipment. During their visit to the University, the guests learned about the resources, mission, and operations of the Intellectual Innovation Cluster and discussed prospective areas for cooperation. University laboratories already operate advanced Carl Zeiss equipment, including ZEISS Axio Observer and Axio Imager research light microscopes and a ZEISS LSM 780 laser scanning microscope. 30

32 The agreement was signed by Shigeo Katsu, President of Nazarbayev University (center), Thomas Spitzenpfeil, a member of the Executive Board of Carl Zeiss AG (left), and Maxim Igelnik, OPTEC General Manager (right). Carl Zeiss works closely with universities and scientific centers across the globe. This cooperation is a key to developing new technology, making new discoveries, and delivering results. Thomas Spitzenpfeil, Member of the Executive Board of Carl Zeiss AG 31

33 Support for Science and Education Grants Young Scientists Received Support under OPTEC Grant Program for 2013 Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Krasnodar, Kiev April OPTEC announced the results of the grant competition in support of young scientists from leading universities and scientific research centers for This year, the company accepted 268 applications to the competition. After evaluation the Expert Committee selected 54 winners. Research papers for the competition were presented by students, postgraduate students, teachers, and researchers under the age of 35 from Russia, the CIS and the Republic of Georgia, who teach and do research in the following areas: biology, medicine, chemistry, materials science, geology, physics, and nanotechnology. The selection panel was comprised of experts recognized by the global scientific community, who are leading specialists in different branches of natural science. In, young scientists from St. Petersburg were the first to receive laureate diplomas at the opening ceremony of the Scientific Conference STRANN-. The diplomas were awarded by Maxim Igelnik, OPTEC General Manager, and Olga Seredkina, OPTEC St. Petersburg Branch Manager. This year 14 projects from St. Petersburg involving a total of 26 young scientists received support from the company. Following the ceremony in St. Petersburg, diplomas were also awarded at a grand ceremony in Moscow, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Krasnodar, and Kiev. 32

34 Laureates of the competition for young scientists, Novosibirsk The purpose of OPTEC grant program is to provide support to young scientists, offer another opportunity for professional development through mastering new methods and processes, and promote academic mobility and the practice of sharing the research infrastructure in modern and fully equipped laboratories. 33

35 Key Events in Medicine / Microsurgery International Consulting Center for Investigating the Use of Intraoperative Radiation Therapy in Malignant Tumor Treatment Established at Clinical Oncological Center No. 1 in Krasnodar Krasnodar September The State Budget-Funded Healthcare Institution Clinical Oncological Center No. 1 of the Healthcare Ministry of Krasnodar Krai, OPTEC South Branch, and Carl Zeiss Meditec AG signed a strategic agreement on the establishment of a reference center for intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) under the auspices of the Oncological Center. The parties to the agreement made arrangements for cooperation in the form of consultations, conferences, and workshops on IORT to be held in the Oncological Center. The parties will also exchange information on scientific conferences, workshops, and other IORT-related events organized by the parties. The State Budget-Funded Healthcare Institution Clinical Oncological Center No. 1 of the Healthcare Ministry of Krasnodar Krai is the only oncological institution in Southern Russia where a Zeiss INTRABEAM PRS 500 IORT system was installed under the Healthcare Modernization Program. This is a highly effective radiation therapy system for malignant tumor surgeries. Intraoperative radiation therapy reduces the chances of a local recurrence. The use of intraoperative radiation therapy as part of combination treatment opens new ways for more efficient cancer treatment. From December 2012 to September, 154 patients received combination treatment using the INTRABEAM system in Oncological Center No

36 The agreement was signed by Margarita Kazantseva, Chief Physician of Oncological Center No. 1, Brigitte Both, Medical Director of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, and Vitaly Dyachenko, Director of OPTEC South Branch. In, we continued supplying Russian oncological centers with ZEISS INTRABEAM intraoperative radiotherapy systems. The Moscow Regional Oncological Center in Balashikha (Moscow Region), the Butov Karachay-Cherkessia Oncological Center (Karachay-Cherkessia), and the Magadan Regional Oncological Center (Magadan Region) started using INTRABEAM systems for surgeries. By 2015, a total of 15 systems were in use in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Georgia. Konstantin Nyk, Head of Intraoperative Radiotherapy, OPTEC 35

37 Key Events in Medicine / Microsurgery For the First Time in History, Irkutsk Surgeons Performed Surgery Using the ZEISS OPMI Pentero 900 Microscope with TRENION 3D Technology Irkutsk, Russia October The first spinal surgery was performed in the re-equipped Center for Neurosurgery in the Railway Clinical Hospital (RCH) at Irkutsk Passenger Railway Station of JSC Russian Railways. During the surgery, the ZEISS OPMI Pentero 900 microscope with TRENION 3D technology was used. The surgery was performed by Doctor of Medical Science, Professor Vadim Byvaltsev, Head of RCH Neurosurgery Department at Irkutsk Passenger Railway Station, Chief Neurosurgeon of the Russian Railways, Board Certified in Neurosurgery. The TRENION technology was used to broadcast the surgery in real time; a 3D video was also recorded. These materials will be used for training of medical practitioners and students. RCH is owned by the Russian Railways. Our services are available to employees (pensioners) of the railway industry and members of their families, residents of Irkutsk and Irkutsk Region, Republic of Buryatia, Zabaykalsky Krai and other Russian regions, as well as to foreign residents. Thanks to its advantageous geographical position and cooperation with specialized universities, the hospital is turning into an interregional network center for neurosurgery. The hospital employs a network expert who is directly involved in training and exchange of experience between medical practitioners and who also participates in international events. Moreover, in terms of surgery our Center can treat serious patients with tumors, including those from other regions. Today, centers for high-tech and specialized medical care are actively developing in RCH. This year, the Center for Neurosurgery received new equipment. As of today, the ZEISS TRENION technology is used by many of the world s leading clinics. In 2013, it became available in Russia. 36

38 ZEISS OPMI Pentero 900 prepared for surgery In our Center, we regularly hold workshops in the field of neurosurgery. The TRENION system allows us to broadcast everything that is happening under the surgical microscope, as well as to record and replay high quality 3D video to see all the details. It is very important for me as a scientist and a teacher. Vadim Byvaltsev, Chief Neurosurgeon of the Russian Railways, Head of RCH Neurosurgery Department at Irkutsk Passenger Railway Station, Doctor of Medical Science, Professor, Board Certified in Neurosurgery 37

39 Key Events in Medicine / Ophthalmology Reference Center for Diagnosing Eye Diseases Established in Medical Center AVICENNA in Novosibirsk Novosibirsk, Russia April OPTEC and Medical Center AVICENNA, the largest private clinic in Novosibirsk, have signed an agreement to establish a joint reference center for diagnosing eye diseases. The purpose of the center is to put advanced examination and treatment practices in ophthalmology to actual use and to introduce eye care professionals, students and graduates of medical universities to state-of-the-art equipment and technology. The center will use solutions provided by Carl Zeiss Meditec, a recognized global leader in the development and production of medical equipment for ophthalmology. First of all, we are creating a forum for professional communication and free exchange of ideas among ophthalmologists who want to master new technology, where we can share our experience with the future generations, says Elena Morozova, OPTEC Novosibirsk Branch Manager. Technologies in ophthalmology are changing very rapidly, and our mission is to provide access for doctors and patients to the most advanced capabilities of today s medicine. Medical practitioners, graduates and students of medical universities will receive training in the reference center, learn first-hand about new equipment sent by OPTEC and Carl Zeiss Meditec to the center for testing, and get direct advice from Carl Zeiss and OPTEC experts. All events will be held in the center on a regular basis, according to a schedule. 38

40 Boris Ayzikovich, General Director of Medical Center AVICENNA, and Maxim Igelnik, OPTEC General Manager AVICENNA has been working closely with Carl Zeiss and OPTEC for many years. The ZEISS Lumera 700 surgical microscope has been used successfully in our center since 2012 for delicate surgeries performed by our surgeons. Since 2013, our ophthalmologists have been using ZEISS equipment almost at every stage of diagnostics and treatment. The quality of medical care we provide to our patients is what matters most to us. That is why our priority is to promote professional development, train our personnel, and expand the range of services we offer to the residents of the city. Boris Ayzikovich, General Director, Medical Center AVICENNA 39

41 Key Events in Medicine / Ophthalmology Education Center for Advanced Femtosecond Laser Technology Opened in Irkutsk Branch of the Interbranch Scientific and Technical Complex Irkutsk, Russia September The Irkutsk Branch of the Fedorov Interbranch Scientific and Technical Complex Eye Microsurgery and OPTEC have signed an agreement to establish a joint reference center for refractive surgery. The agreement for cooperation and establishment of the reference center was signed by Andrey Shchuko, Director of the Irkutsk Branch of the Interbranch Scientific and Technical Complex Eye Microsurgery, and Maxim Igelnik, OPTEC General Manager in Russia and the CIS. The center will use unique, one-and-only equipment, the VisuMax femtosecond laser. The system pushes the boundaries of laser vision correction: the patented ReLEx Smile procedure is based entirely on femtosecond technology and enables myopia and myopic astigmatism correction in the most gentle and safest way possible. According to Andrey Shchuko, more than 1,000 surgeries using the Smile procedure were performed in one year in the Irkutsk Branch of the Interbranch Scientific and Technical Complex. To achieve this, local surgeons used unique equipment for minimally invasive refractive surgery. The Irkutsk Branch of the Interbranch Scientific and Technical Complex has been working closely with Carl Zeiss and OPTEC for many years. The first ZEISS VISULAS YAG laser system was installed in the Center back in Today, ZEISS equipment is used by the Center s ophthalmologists almost at every stage of diagnostics and treatment. Innovative refractive surgery equipment used by the Center s surgeons for delicate procedures delivers the best possible results in minimally invasive and low-trauma vision correction for patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The Irkutsk Branch of the Interbranch Scientific and Technical Complex Eye Microsurgery was opened on 8 August 1989 and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The Center provides eye care to people living in a large region, including East Siberia, Sakha (Yakutia), Buryatia, and Trans-Baykal. The Center is also a place for sharing knowledge and expertise with ophthalmologists from other Russian cities and regions. Over the last twenty-five years, more than 700,000 checkups were conducted and more than 315,000 patients were operated on in the Irkutsk Branch of the Interbranch Scientific and Technical Complex Eye Microsurgery. The Center s surgeons performed 61,600 cataract surgeries and implanted 59,700 intraocular lenses. 40

42 Andrey Shchuko, Director of the Irkutsk Branch of the Cross-Sectoral Research and Technology Center Eye Microsurgery, and Maxim Igelnik, OPTEC General Manager This is a major technology breakthrough in refractive surgery. I think that the momentum gained by the Irkutsk Branch is the reason why the reference center was opened here rather than elsewhere. This is the place where eye care professionals from Russia and the CIS countries will be trained in refractive surgery. Andrey Shchuko, Director, Irkutsk Branch of the Interbranch Scientific and Technical Complex Eye Microsurgery 41

43 Key Events in Medicine / Ophthalmology The ZEISS OPMI Lumera 700 microscope is used for complex eye surgeries in the Center of Excellence for Prevention of Childhood Blindness Yerevan, Armenia September On 22 September, the Center of Excellence for Prevention of Childhood Blindness (CEPCB) was opened in Yerevan where surgeries can be performed to prevent blindness in premature babies. About 10% of babies in Armenia are born prematurely and are in the ROP (retinopathy of prematurity) risk group. ROP is the main cause for childhood blindness. Until now, only foreign specialists could help these children, but today they can be operated on in Armenia. That is why the Center of Excellence for Prevention of Childhood Blindness located in Yerevan is of particular importance for the entire region. CEPCB has the OPMI Lumera 700 surgical microscope made by Carl Zeiss Meditec to perform complex eye surgeries with a higher degree of precision. The opening ceremony was attended by Nune Yeghiazaryan, Director of the Armenian Office, the Armenian EyeCare Project, Woodward Clark Price, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy, Razmik Abramyan, Director of the Republican Institute for Reproductive Health, Perinatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexander Malayan, Director of the S. Malayan Ophthalmological Center, and Thomas Lee, Director of the Vision Center at Children s Hospital Los Angeles. 42

44 In the operating room in the Center of Excellence for Prevention of Childhood Blindness All equipment in this unique operating room is for the prevention of childhood blindness. This is the most advanced equipment, and it is located near the maternity hospital. This equipment is usually installed in eye care clinics but it is often impossible to transport newborns to an eye clinic. That is why it is important that such an operating room is located not far from the maternity hospital. Thomas Lee, Director of the Vision Center, Children s Hospital Los Angeles 43

45 Key Events in Medicine / Ophthalmology Ophthalmic Lasers Installed in Perinatal Centers in Kazakhstan for Treating Newborns Almaty, Kazakhstan October ZEISS VISULAS 532S lasers were installed for the first time in perinatal centers in Almaty, Astana, and Ust-Kamenogorsk for the correction of premature babies vision. The clinics were equipped with the support from Kus Zholy Charity Fund and Kazkommertsbank as part of the joint project called The Guardian Angel. One of the problems that the new equipment will help to resolve is underdeveloped ocular vessels (ROP retinopathy of prematurity), which increases the risk of reduced vision or blindness in children. Early diagnostics and surgical treatment during the first few weeks of a newborn s life are the only way to reduce the number of disabilities due to this risk. According to the center s experts, the period for surgery is very short; if surgery is not performed in good time, a surgeon won t be able to save a patient s vision. Installation of ophthalmic lasers and diagnostic equipment is a major step towards resolving this problem. To be able to work with the laser, physicians will receive special training in Almaty and Astana and will improve their skills on a regular basis. The ZEISS VISULAS 532s ophthalmic laser combines ease of use, efficiency and safety to provide ophthalmologists with an overall system sharply focused on their requirements. 44

46 New ZEISS VISULAS 532S Laser in Almaty City Perinatal Center Now we will be able not only to detect a disease at an early stage but also to treat babies right in the maternity hospital. After all, many babies are too weak to be transported to the Research Institute for Eye Diseases. Elmira Zhakasheva, Director, Almaty City Perinatal Center 45

47 Key Events in Medicine / Ophthalmology Electron Microscope Used for Fundamental Research in Ophthalmology in the Research Institute for Eye Diseases (RAMS) Moscow, Russia The Laboratory for Fundamental Research in Ophthalmology of the Research Institute for Eye Diseases of the Russian Academy of Medical Science (RAMS) uses the ZEISS EVO LS10 scanning electron microscope. The equipment is used for a wide variety of applied and fundamental research projects. Morphological research is one of the key areas of the laboratory s operations. Electron microscopy is an essential element of early diagnostics. It allows researchers not only to study the cell surface, but also to determine the chemical composition of cells and the concentration of certain elements using energy dispersive chemical analysis. The findings of this research help identify changes at the cellular and subcellular levels before any clinical signs of a disease, which enables targeted and timely prophylactic therapy. Electron microscopy-based research is especially important for a differential diagnosis of certain oncology diseases, in particular, different types of uveal melanoma, confirmation of viral etiology of keratitis, and identification of acanthamoeba, chlamydial, and microsporidial infections of the anterior ocular surface. The ZEISS electron microscope makes it possible to study samples in low vacuum mode without coating. The microscope features a cooled stage and the X-MAX energy dispersive spectrometer made by Oxford Instruments. Now you don t have to fix a sample in glutaraldehyde, dehydrate it in alcohol, dry and coat with gold. Before that, all these manipulations could change the tissue structure and affect the research results and image interpretation. The use of the ZEISS EVO electron microscope in the Research Institute for Eye Diseases demonstrated the value of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy for studying the total distribution of substances with low natural concentration in biological tissues and allowed the researchers to test the sampling procedure and the analysis algorithm. 46

48 A delegation from Carl Zeiss and OPTEC in the laboratory of the Research Institute for Eye Diseases (RAMS) Our laboratory studies the organ of vision at all levels, from the anatomical level to the molecular level. To do this, we use complex equipment, first of all, electron microscopes. The latest generation scanning microscope offer us the capability we have never had before. For example, we can study the tissue in its native state, with regard to both structure and chemistry. Anatoly Fedorov, Cand. Med. Sc., Head of the Laboratory for Fundamental Research in Ophthalmology 47

49 Key Events in Materials Science ZEISS Microscopes Used to Restore a Unique Collection of Gold Hairpins Owned by Catherine II St. Petersburg, Russia December In December, the State Hermitage marks its anniversary: 250 years ago, in 1764 Catherine II bought more than 200 paintings from German merchant Johann Ernst Gotzkowsky. This has traditionally been considered the year when the museum was born. Today, the Hermitage is more than just one of the largest and most famous museums in the world; it is also an unprecedented restoration center, a storage facility, and a science institution. OPTEC and Carl Zeiss were honored to be provide advanced equipment to the Hermitage laboratories. In, after the reconstruction of the Reserve House in the Winter Palace was completed, the House was opened as the laboratory, restoration, and administrative facility of the museum. OPTEC took part in supplying equipment to the House s laboratories: the company provided the ZEISS Stemi 2000 С microscopes for materials research applications. The ZEISS Axio Scope A1 polarized light microscope will be used in the Laboratory for Scientific Restoration of Easel Painting of the Department of Scientific Restoration and Conservation of the State Hermitage. On the occasion of the museum s 250th Anniversary, the Laboratory for Scientific Restoration of Precious Metals received ZEISS flagship microscopes for materials research to work on a unique collection of gold hairpins owned by Catherine the Great. Today, the Laboratory for Scientific Restoration of Precious Metals is one of the best in Europe in terms of its capabilities. Since it was established in 2004, the Laboratory has restored several thousands of exhibits, often using its own unique restoration techniques. 48

50 Restoration of the collection of gold hairpins owned by Catherine II in the Laboratory for Scientific Restoration of Precious Metals It is a unique collection of hairpins that is made up of 250 items manufactured by Chinese masters. The hairpin elements are very fragile; the wire they are made of is only 30 microns thick. Under the microscope, we can see what cannot normally be seen with the naked eye; we can explore elements in great detail and take photos or shoot a video before, during or after our work. Igor Malkiel, Head of the Laboratory for Scientific Restoration of Precious Metals 49

51 Key Events in Materials Science First in Russia Double-Beam ZEISS Crossbeam 540 Workstation with RAITH ELPHY Multibeam Lithography System Installed in IKBFU Kaliningrad, Russia December September saw the opening of the Fabrika Science and Technology Park, a new facility of the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University (IKBFU) housing research laboratories for various disciplines. Among the laboratories located in the Fabrika Park are laboratories for coherent optical measurement systems; optical emissions; micro- and nanostructure research; thin-film material deposition; 3D prototyping and intelligent robotics, and new magnetic materials; plus the Energy Efficiency Center and IKBFU Publishing House. The Research and Education Center for Functional Materials is a network of laboratories doing research in X-ray optics, nanobiotechnology, nanoelectronics, and nanotechnology in energy conservation. In, the Center added the Crossbeam 540 double-beam electron and ion microscope workstation to its equipment fleet. The ZEISS flagship workstation, which was installed in Russia for the first time, is fitted with the most advanced ELPHY Multibeam attachment made by RAITH to control the electron and ion beam column and perform high-precision nanolithography for elements of any complexity. 50

52 The first in Russia ZEISS Crossbeam 540 in IKBFU This is not just a powerful electron microscope but also a state-of-the-art vacuum instrument for prototyping nano-objects with 2 nm resolution. It allows us both to study and modify an object. We use this workstation in X-ray optics and nanomaterials research. Alexander Goykhman, Director, the Research and Education Center for Functional Nanomaterials 51

53 Key Events in Biological Technology / Cell Technology For the First Time in Russia the ambr Micro Bioreactor System Installed in the International Biotechnology Center Generium Vladimir Region, Russia August The International Biotechnology Center Generium, one of the leading Russian developers and manufacturers of biotech products, is the first in Russia to implement the ambr automated platform to scale biotechnological processes. The system made by TAP Biosystems will accelerate the development and launch of new domestic biotech drugs. The new equipment will be used in the Cell Biology Department and the Process Development Department of the Generium center. First, the cell line group experts obtain stable producers of future protein therapeutics in ambr micro bioreactors. These may be targeted to treat numerous diseases including genetic diseases. Oncology is one of the most promising fields of application. For example, antibodies for cancer treatment are constructed which recognize tumors and trigger the mechanism of its destruction when introduced into the human body. After careful selection of stable cell lines for future biological products, producer clones are sent to the Department of Technology Development. Here, the ambr system will help to optimize the cell culture process; experts can simulate the functioning of industrial bioreactors in the laboratory and prepare the production technology for clinical trials and production start-up as soon as practical. A total of over one hundred ambr systems manufactured by TAP Biosystems are operated worldwide by leading pharmaceutical and bio-pharmacological companies. Three of the four leading pharmaceutical companies use this system. 52

54 Launch of the ambr system in the International Biotechnology Center Generium In our laboratory, we choose the best from among the thousands of clones of the parent cell, those that can consistently grow and multiply in bioreactors and the product of which has the required therapeutic properties. This is a painstaking process which is now largely automated by the ambr micro bioreactor system. Dmitry Poteryaev, Head of the Cell Biology Department, IBC Generium 53

55 Key Events in Biological Technology / Cell Technology CompacT Select Automated Cell Line Research Complex Launched in FEFU School of Biomedicine Vladivostok, Russia November The School of Biomedicine of the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) presented CompacT Select, an automated solution for the research of cell lines by TAP Biosystems. One of the areas of current research at the School of Biomedicine is the development of biocompatible implant materials and bioartificial tissue analogues for regenerative therapy to treat brain injuries. These innovative instruments are designed to restore the integrity of the brain by implanting tissue-engineered structures in the affected area of the body. CompacT Select is a state-of-the-art cell factory that produces cell material essential for the research conducted not only by the Laboratory for Biomedical Cell Technology. It will allow scientists to develop many other areas of scientific research at the School of Biomedicine, including research of the genome and development of products for gene therapy, development of drugs and cell-based products for brain tumor therapy, research of immune resistance and its role in the regenerative processes, work in the area of molecular oncology and synthetic biology. The unique solution will facilitate the development and application of new diagnostics and treatment techniques in practical healthcare in line with internationals rules and regulations. The robot can work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, maintaining all necessary conditions for cell culture and doing routine tasks, which means that there is no human factor or other errors. During the official launch ceremony of the automated cell line research complex at FEFU School of Biomedicine, OPTEC General Manager Maxim Igelnik, on behalf of the company and Carl Zeiss, presented to FEFU Rector Sergey Ivanets a gift certificate for five ZEISS PrimoStar laboratory microscopes. As stated in the certificate, the microscopes will be used to popularize biomedical research, teach secondary school students, and provide pre-university professional training at the premises of the Laboratory for Biomedical Cell Technology in the School of Biomedicine. 54

56 Vadim Kumeyko, Head of the Laboratory for Biomedical Cell Technology, FEFU Bioengineering and cell technology are the most challenging area of research, which requires the highest level of professionalism and expensive unique equipment. In the whole world, you can count the number of the robots equivalent to the one in the FEFU on the fingers of one hand, but only here it is in the university environment. The School of Biomedicine does not only train specialists and conduct research, but also cooperates closely with the Medical Center of FEFU, where the scientific results can find practical application in the very near future. Sergey Ivanets, FEFU Rector 55

57 Key Events in Biological Technology / Microscopy / Clinical Pathology OPTEC Took Part in Equipping the New Research and Development Center for Fundamental and Applied Bioecology and Biotechnology Ulyanovsk, Russia The Ulyanovsk State Teachers University opened the unique Research and Development Center for Fundamental and Applied Bioecology and Biotechnology. OPTEC supplied a package of equipment for the center and provided 25 PrimoStar light microscopes for classroom use. The project is part of the federal program for strategic development. RUB 150 million was invested in the construction of the center. Most of this money was spent to purchase equipment. The key area of activities for the Research and Development Center is fundamental and applied (including experimental) research in morphology (histology, cytology), cell technology, biochemistry and toxicology, development and reproductive biology, ecology, biodiversity, physiology, molecular genetics and microbiology, as well as training of highly qualified academic and teaching staff. The Center has several laboratories with the most up-to-date research equipment and facilities. The Center will also be the place for laboratory practicums, special courses, individual laboratory classes, and various continuing education and professional development programs, including those for interacademic and international exchange. The Center houses morphology, biochemistry and toxicology, cell technology, molecular biology, ecology, and biodiversity laboratories. The morphology laboratory is equipped with ZEISS Axio Lab.A1, ZEISS Axio Imager.M2, and Axio Imager. A2 microscopes and the 3D-Histech Pannoramic DESK automatic slide scanner. ZEISS Primo Star microscopes are used for routine tasks and training. 3D-Histech E-School software (20 licenses) helps to organize e-learning and exams. The laboratory also uses Thermo Scientific equipment for histological and cytological labs. In, Andrey Mishchenko, Cand. Sc. (Biology), Head of the Molecular Biology Laboratory, was a winner of OPTEC grant competition in support of young scientists from leading universities and scientific research centers. 56

58 The center does a wide range of research but our main priority is to teach our students in biology, chemistry, and physiology. We will focus on cell technology, that is growing skin cells. The equipment we have in the center enables us to do it. Elena Antonova, Director of the Research and Development Center 57

59 Key Events in Biological Technology / Microscopy The Tomsk State Universities Advances Cell and Regenerative Medicine Projects Tomsk, Russia The Tomsk Regional Knowledge Sharing Center at the Tomsk State University started using the ZEISS LSM 780 NLO laser scanning microscope for research, with the possibility of multiphoton excitation to observe dynamic processes in living cells. The system is a combination of a laser scanning microscope and a femtosecond infrared laser with an adjustable scale for multiphoton fluorescence excitation. The system lets the researcher penetrate into living organs and tissues to a depth of up to several hundreds micrometers and ensures non-destructuve continuous monitoring. The microscope will be used in regenerative medical research to create biopolymer materials: scientists from the Tomsk State University are currently developing porous polymer films to tackle the problem of spatial organization and functional properties of cells during transplantation. Third parties are also welcome to use the microscope for research applications as part of the knowledge sharing effort, as agreed upon with the University. In, the Tomsk State University received a RUB 150 million grant for the development of the Tomsk Regional Knowledge Sharing Center. The purpose of the two-year project is to implement promising cross-disciplinary research projects in cell and regenerative medicine under the Federal Special Purpose Program Research and Development in the Priority Areas of Growth for the Russian Science and Technology Sector for The funds received by the University were spent to purchase up-to-date equipment and add even more sci-tech services to those already offered by the Center. 58

60 The ZEISS LSM 780 NLO microscope in the Center s laboratory We use the confocal microscope to study the mechanisms of dangerous oncology diseases, such as breast cancer or brain tumors, as well as heart diseases. It gives us a chance to observe dynamic processes in cell without damaging them. Kira Alekseyenko, Director, Tomsk Regional Knowledge Sharing Center, Tomsk State University 59

61 Key Events in Biological Technology / Microscopy Microscopy to Help Kazan Scientists Study the History of Our Planet in the New Laboratory for Paleoclimatology, Paleoecology and Paleomagnetism Kazan, Russia May As part of the competitiveness improvement program, a large-scale modernization has been underway in Kazan Federal University in. New laboratories for cross-disciplinary priority research areas as seen by the University have been opened and provided with necessary equipment. These areas include: biomedicine and pharmaceuticals; advanced materials; oil production, oil refining, and petrochemistry; information communication and space technology. The new Research Laboratory for Paleoclimatology, Paleoecology and Paleomagnetism opened in the Geology and Oil&Gas Technology Institute in Kazan Federal University received advanced ZEISS microscopes for materials research: AxioImager A1, AxioScope, AxioLab, and Stemi The laboratory is pursuing an ambitious goal to reconstruct paleoclimatic changes of the past and restore the evolution of the Earth s magnetic field. The research will help the scientists to forecast the Earth s climate with a higher degree of accuracy, develop climate-oriented models of economic growth for the regions, and gain a deeper insight into the processes that take place in the Earth s planetary envelopes, from the inner core to the magnetosphere. With the advanced equipment in the laboratory, the scientists have access to the most up-to date methods and are able to acquire climatic data from natural structures registering changes in the environment. The laboratory works closely with leading Russian and international research centers and universities, including the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (Potsdam, Germany), Freie Universität Berlin (Germany), the Russian-German Otto Schmidt Laboratory for Polar and Marine Research (Kiel, Germany St. Petersburg, Russia), Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) (Zurich, Switzerland), the University of Cologne (Germany), the Natural History Museum (London, UK), the University of Potsdam (Germany), and many others. 60

62 Laboratory researcher Lilia Gafiatullina and junior research assistant Oleg Tumanov in the Laboratory for Paleoclimatology, Paleoecology and Paleomagnetism Over the last few years, negative trends in man-made environmental changes and related climatic changes have been on the increase. In our laboratory, we develop and improve experimental approaches to acquiring climatic data from various natural archives for further validation of global climatic models necessary to forecast the Earth s climate. Larisa Frolova, Cand. Sc. (Biology), Head of the Laboratory for Paleoclimatology, Paleoecology and Paleomagnetism 61

63 Key Events in Biological Technology / Microscopy Children s City Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Krasnodar Introduces High Technology Molecular Genetic Testing Methods Krasnodar, Russia July The single Regional Laboratory Technology Center was opened in Krasnodar at the premises of Children s City Clinical Hospital No. 1. With the most advanced high-performance facilities and high-technology diagnostic equipment, the center offers all types of diagnostic testing, from oncomarkers to molecular genetic tests. Thanks to its capacity, the centralized laboratory can provide diagnostics for all outpatients in the region. Research resources and professionalism of the center s employees trained in leading Russian laboratory centers will allow processing almost 20,000 samples a day, which translates into more than 250,000 tests daily. The ZEISS LSM 780 confocal laser scanning microscope with PALM laser microdissection system is installed in the center for laboratory and cell technology. The laboratory is developing a technique to search for very rare embryonic cells in the mother s blood for further DNA analysis of the unborn child. This technique is absolutely safe for both the fetus and the mother and can deliver reliable results as early as when the mother is 7 to 10 weeks pregnant. The PALM system allows the researchers to find and isolate the required cells in the available biological material without contaminating or damaging it. Subsequent visualization of DNA probes and FISH-based color differentiation are performed using the confocal microscope. Similar approach is taken for oncopathology patients when rare cells in the patient s blood are potential or actual tumor cells. If these cells are found promptly using microfluid technology and then isolated with the help of complex microscope equipment, the doctor can perform DNA diagnostics of cancer cells when there is no primary tumor site and evaluate chemotherapy efficiency over time. This opens up totally new perspectives in oncology prevention, diagnostics, and treatment. 62

64 Georgy Gudkov, MD, Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology (Kuban State Medical University), in the Regional Laboratory Technology Center One cell in a million cells in the mother s blood has the fetus origin, and we can find this cell, take its genetic material, and investigate the genetic status of her unborn child without any risk for the mother. Georgy Gudkov, MD, Head of the Diagnostics Center for Laboratory and Cell Technology, Regional Laboratory Technology Center 63

65 Key Events in Industrial Metrology ZEISS Coordinate Measuring Machines Serving Leading Industrial Enterprises in Russia Russia The year saw several projects implemented by OPTEC in the engineering industry, including aerospace engineering, automotive industry, heavy engineering, machine tool building, etc. These projects included introduction of Carl Zeiss coordinate measuring machines into the production cycle of Schaeffler, a leading global supplier of integrated solutions and high-precision components for the automotive, aerospace, and heavy equipment industries. Schaeffler focuses on the highest quality of products, which makes everything the company does premium class. As part of its cooperation with Schaeffler, OPTEC supplied two Carl Zeiss coordinate measuring machines (CMM), O-Inspect and ACCURA, to a site in Ulyanovsk. The machines will be used for post-production quality control of high-precision friction and roller bearings, engine, transmission, and undercarriage components. In addition, the Prismo Navigator CMM was also supplied to Ulyanovsk for the construction of a new plant by DMG Mori, a global leader in machine tool building. The Prismo Navigator will be used to measure critical parts in the machine building process, to the accuracy of less than 1 μm. In, OPTEC and Uralskie Lokomotivy (Siemens Group) completed their project to supply the Pro series double-column large measuring machine made by Carl Zeiss to a plant site in Verkhnyaya Pyshma. The machine will be used to measure locomotive body parts. As part of the project, the company designed and provided a foundation with special vibration mounts. Experts from OPTEC and Carl Zeiss Department for Industrial Metrology who have the unique experience in implementing this kind of projects played a key role in the process. Eight Ford models are manufactured on two Ford Sollers sites, in Vsevolozhsk near St. Petersburg and Naberezhnye Chelny in the Republic of Tatarstan. Since Carl Zeiss, OPTEC, and Ford Sollers started working together, six bridge-type CMMs, two horizontal arm CMMs, and one CMM for laboratory research into Ford structural components have been supplied and put into operation. Every Ford vehicle made in Russia is subject to the tightest quality control in line with international standards of Ford Motor Company. 64

66 ZEISS Coordinate Measuring Machine at Ford Sollers Plant in Tatarstan ZEISS coordinate measuring machines meet the highest standards of industrial enterprises operating in every engineering sector. We have been partnering with major companies from Russia and the CIS in the field of industrial metrology for over 25 years, helping our customers deal with critical tasks not only when they design and develop new products but also when they start mass-scale production. Alexey Gostishchev, Director, Department for Industrial Metrology Technologies, OPTEC 65

67 Key Events in Interdisciplinary Projects OPTEC Developed Unique System for Remote Testing of Materials with Extremely High Radioactivity Russia Studying the properties of highly radioactive substances is one of the key challenges the researchers are facing in the wide range of fundamental and applied research in areas such as nuclear physics and nuclear medicine, when they are trying to find new ways to use nuclear energy. As part of its cooperation with the National Research Center Kurchatov Institute, OPTEC has developed a multipurpose research system for non-destructive testing of materials with ultra high radioactivity. The system is based on the ZEISS Merlin scanning electron microscope and allows for preparation and quick and full analysis of a radioactive sample in fully automatic mode. In, the system was used for research applications to develop the new generation of nuclear energy technology based on fast reactors under the Federal Special Purpose Program. According to the program, power plants with lead and lead/bismuth fast reactors will be built, as well as a multifunctional fast research reactor (MFRR), which will replace the existing research reactors with expired service life. 66

68 We have developed a unique analytical cluster where the ZEISS Merlin electron microscope acts as a non-destructive testing tool with subnanometer resolution. The system may be used in a wide range of analytical studies or expanded by adding an atom probe to obtain data on the structure of radiated substances that were not available to us before. Alexander Ulyanenkov, Director, Department for Interdisciplinary Projects, OPTEC 67