Sample collection

Sample collection

Collecting samples from lakes and ocean and preparing them for microscopy

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Microscopy

Microscopy

Employing the open source OpenFlexure Microscope (OFM) available for anyone to build

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Image collection

Image collection

Collect and upload data to repositories dedicated to biodiversity monitoring

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Data usability

Data usage

Using aquired and existing data to visualise changes in aquatic ecosystem

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PKI Utveckling AB

We strive to improve upon the ways we collect data from microscopic environments. By developing and promoting different avenues for teachers, students as well as for the public to contribute towards our understanding of the environment we hope to help bridge the gap between the environmentally interested and environmental research participation. Using contemporary technologies we want to engage more people in environmental monitoring activities and raise awareness of biodiversity research, open science and open hardware.

This initiative has resulted in multiple collaborations and activities with partners sharing similar interests (SMHI, Sydvatten, Vattenhallen Science centre, Lunds University, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, University of the West of England, Kävlingeåns Vattenråd and Water Wise Societies).

Environmental monitoring and the need of more data

Microscopic organisms play a vital role in the global ecosystem. With their geochemical importance, being involved in fixation and regeneration of organic building blocks (carbon, nitrogen, sulphur and phosphorous) as well as producing the majority of atmospheric oxygen, they are the fundament in the aquatic food web and the backbone in our global ecosystem. In times of rapidly changing climate the ability to regularly measure spatial and temporal distribution of aquatic microorganisms is key when trying to understand the dynamics of climate change and its effects on aquatic ecosystems.

Recent years advances in, and availability of, open-source hardware (through 3D printer technology) and open-source software has enabled for a paradigm shift when it comes to manufacturing and implementation of cost-effective scientific equipment. One example is the development of the user-friendly OpenFlexure microscope, inviting more people to explore microscopic environments and participate in, and contribute to, biodiversity research.

PKI Utveckling AB aims to further equip our society with tools to explore and document microscopic biodiversity. We want to igniting interest in microscopic biodiversity, creating awareness of environmental monitoring challenges in a rapidly changing climate while also providing a solution of collective engagement.

Recent activities

2025

Sep 2025

Hasslemöllafest

Demonstrating the OpenFlexure microscope and its use in environmental monitoring at Biosphere reserve Storkriket's Hasslemöllafest.


Tänk H2O! Bolmen

Demonstrating the OpenFlexure microscope and its use in environmental monitoring for students at Tänk H2O! "Wow!" - "I am surprised by its simplicity and that you can build one yourself, at a cost even a student could afford!" - "it is facinating how portable and user friendly the microscope is!" - Students of Polhemskolan Lund and Malmö latinskola.

June 2025

Sjölabbet 2

Carried out Sjölabbet 2, where secondary and high school teachers learn how to build and use their own microscope, knowledge they can share with their students.

Festival of Nature

Demonstrating the OpenFlexure microscope and its use in environmental monitoring at the Bristol and Bath Festival of Nature, UK.


Wroclaw Workshop

Demonstrating the OpenFlexure microscope and its use in environmental monitoring at Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland.


January 2025

Interviewed by the Lund University OpenScience blog.

2024

November 2024

Presented Sjölabbet at Lund University Open Science Days 2024 (published abstract, page 7).

June 2024

Sjölabbet

Carried out Sjölabbet, where secondary and high school teachers learn how to build and use their own microscope, knowledge they can share with their students.

2023

September 2023

Forskar Fredag

Demonstating the OpenFlexure microscope and its use in environmental monitoring at Vattenhallen Science Centre during Forskar Fredag.

Tänk H2O! Bolmen

Demonstrating the OpenFlexure microscope and its use in environmental monitoring for students at Tänk H2O!

This webpage, with all its contents, is to be considered under construction and not a final product.