The Green Light Microscopy (GLM) Initiative at McGill University promotes sustainable and mercury-free fluorescence microscopy by encouraging the transition to LED-based illumination systems. Spearheaded by the Advanced BioImaging Facility (ABIF) in collaboration with CIAN and the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) microscopy core, this program enhances environmental responsibility, imaging quality, and operational efficiency in microscopy research.

Why Choose LED Illumination?

• Eco-Friendly: Eliminates hazardous mercury waste from traditional lamps.
• Longer Lifespan: LEDs last ~20,000 hours compared to mercury bulbs (~200 hours).
• Instant Illumination: No warm-up or cool-down time required.
• Stable & Reliable: More consistent light output, reducing photobleaching and improving quantitative imaging.

As part of McGill’s Sustainability Projects Fund (SPF), the ABIF is now the first fully mercury-free imaging facility at McGill, leading the way for other research labs to adopt greener microscopy practices.

For more details on how to integrate Green Light Microscopy into your research, visit the ABIF Green Light Microscopy page.