ZEISS and Concept Life Sciences announce partnership
Jena, Germany & Chapel-en-le-Frith, United Kingdom, 23 September 2025 – ZEISS Microscopy and Concept Life Sciences, a UK-based contract research organization (CRO), announced their collaboration aimed at pioneering new approaches to workflow automation and scalable image analysis in spatial biology.
Key focus areas of the collaboration are: ·
Automated high-throughput
imaging workflow: Utilizing ZEISS Axioscan 7 spatial biology to streamline
imaging processes ·
SlideStream integration:
Enhancing imaging, image management, and integration into lab information
systems for seamless operations ·
AI-powered image analysis:
Employing Mindpeak software to ensure reproducible and scalable data outputs ·
Assay development and
evaluation: Supporting both multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) and IHC
applications.
The critical role of
efficiency in spatial biology As spatial biology gains prominence in
translational research and clinical pipelines, reducing variability and
increasing efficiency becomes crucial, especially for CROs aiding pharma and
biotech clients in drug discovery and development.
"A key bottleneck in any spatial biology
project is whole-slide tissue scanning, which can lead to unplanned reviews and
repeat imaging, making it difficult to predict delivery timelines and
associated costs. ZEISS is helping us to overcome this challenge with an
efficient and reproducible automated workflow that truly benefits CROs offering
this service. I’m proud to be working with our incredible spatial biology team
– driven by a shared commitment to excellence and innovation – as we
collaborate with ZEISS to advance scanning technology and deliver the very best
for our customers," said Dr Hayley Gooding, Biology Services Director at
Concept Life Sciences, emphasizing the challenge.
Commitment to high-impact
solutions in drug development and cancer research This collaboration aims to support the
biopharmaceutical industry and CROs in generating high-quality evidence for
informed decisions in drug development and cancer research.
“By working with a CRO deeply involved in
biomarker discovery and cancer research, we’re not just improving technical
workflows, we’re advancing how data is translated into meaningful outcomes. Our
aim is to support the industry in moving faster, with greater consistency, and
ultimately bringing better therapies to patients," said Dr. Florian Leiss,
Head of Product and Applications for Spatial Biology at ZEISS, highlighting the
significance of this partnership. This partnership underscores a shared
commitment to delivering practical, high-impact solutions that benefit both
research and clinical applications in spatial biology. Press
contacts
ZEISS Research Microscopy
Solutions Vybhav Sinha Phone: +49 3641 64 3949 Email: press.microscopy@zeiss.com
Concept Life Sciences Clare Whitewoods – Marketing
Director Clare.Whitewoods@conceptlifesciences.com
About
ZEISS
For its customers, ZEISS
develops, produces and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial
metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and
materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and
treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous
with the world's leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip
industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for
trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses and
binoculars.
With a portfolio aligned with
future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare and Smart Production and a
strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly
advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The
company's significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay
the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS' technology and
market leadership. ZEISS invests 15 percent of its revenue in research and
development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and
is also an investment in the future.
With over 46,500 employees, ZEISS
is active globally in around 50 countries with more than 60 sales and service
locations, around 40 research and development facilities, and 35 production
facilities worldwide (31 March 2025). Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company
is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the
largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the
sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG.
Further information at www.zeiss.com
ZEISS
Research Microscopy Solutions ZEISS Research Microscopy
Solutions is the leading provider of light, electron, X-ray microscope systems,
correlative microscopy and software solutions leveraging AI technologies. The
portfolio comprises of products and services for life sciences, materials and
industrial research, as well as education and clinical routine applications.
The unit is headquartered in Jena. Additional production and development sites
are located in Germany, UK, USA, China and Switzerland. ZEISS Research
Microscopy Solutions is part of the Industrial Quality & Research segment.
About
Concept Life Sciences Concept Life Sciences is a
leading contract research organisation (CRO) serving the global life sciences
industry. For over 25 years, the company, and its heritage companies, have
provided consultative, and collaborative, drug discovery and development
services. Our approach, supported by passionate scientists and world-leading capabilities,
enables clients to overcome complex scientific challenges across a broad range
of therapeutic areas, improving program success rates. The company has
successfully helped 29 candidates advance to the clinic.
The company offers sophisticated
translational biology services coupled with exceptional end-to-end chemistry
capabilities across all modalities including small molecules, biologics, cell
& gene therapies, with the ability to seamlessly integrate capabilities and
provide bespoke solutions to address client needs.
Collectively, the company’s
high-quality services and commitment to customer service, across the drug
development pathway help customers advance their drugs to market in as little
as 32 months to advance a drug from concept to clinic, well ahead of the
industry average of 60 months.
Driven by a passion for science,
Concept Life Sciences has around 230 employees, with around 70% holding PhDs.
The company operates from state-of-the-art UK facilities, headquartered near
Manchester, with additional operations in Edinburgh, Dundee, and Sandwich. The
headquarters is one of the UK’s largest medicinal chemistry CRO sites with key
discovery services all under one roof.
Further information at www.conceptlifesciences.com and on
LinkedIn
ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the
fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the
ZEISS Group generated annual revenue around 11 billion euros in its four
segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality &
Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets (30 September 2024).
Further information at www.zeiss.com/microscopy
