Sample collection
Collecting samples from lakes and ocean and preparing them for microscopy
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Microscopy
Employing the open source OpenFlexure Microscope (OFM) available for anyone to build
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Image collection
Collect and upload data to repositories dedicated to biodiversity monitoring
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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, Water Wise Societies and University of Eldoret).
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
2026
September 2026
Fortbildningsdag Fyrisån
Demonstrating the OpenFlexure microscope and its use in environmental monitoring during training day at Fyrisån. Science teachers got to learn more about open hardware, explore the microscopic life of Fyrisån while simultaneously creating a valuable dataset. Photo: Ammie Berglund.
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Field testing with Rinnebäckskolan, Kävlinge
Openflexure microscope kits were tested in the field with the help of students from Rinnebäckskolan. The students got to explore and learn more about the microscopic ecosystems of their local lake while simultaneously creating a valuable dataset of their findings.
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Vetenskapsverkstan
OpenFlexure microscopes were used during Vetenskapsverkstan, inviting young studentes to explore and learn more about microscopic life on (and beyond) earth, while simultaneously creating a valuable dataset of their findings.
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August 2026
Beijers kaj, Malmö
Exploring public engagement opportunities in urban environmental monitoring with Malmö University, School of Arts and Communication, while simultaneously creating a valuable dataset.
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Fortbildningsdag Bolmen
Demonstrating the OpenFlexure microscope and its use in environmental monitoring during training day at Bolmen research station. Science teachers got to learn more about open hardware, explore the microscopic life of lake Bolmen while simultaneously creating a valuable dataset. Photo: Anna Sara Roos.
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July 2026
Bolmendagen
Demonstrating the OpenFlexure microscope and its use in environmental monitoring during Bolmendagen at forskningsstation Bolmen. Visitors got to explore and learn more about the microscopic ecosystems of lake Bolmen while simultaneously creating a valuable dataset of their findings.
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June 2026
Vetenskapsverkstan
OpenFlexure microscopes were used during Vetenskapsverkstan, inviting young studentes to explore and learn more about microscopic life on (and beyond) earth, while simultaneously creating a valuable dataset of their findings.
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Sjölabbet 3 workshop
Carried out Sjölabbet 3, where secondary and high school teachers learn how to build and use their own microscope, knowledge they can share with their students. Some participants explored aquatic samples, creating a valuable dataset of their findings.
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May 2026
Field testing with Kungshögsskolan, Ljungby
Openflexure microscope kits were tested in the field with the help of students from Kungshögsskolan. The students got to explore and learn more about the microscopic ecosystems of their local lake while simultaneously creating a valuable dataset of their findings.
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April 2026
Field testing with Sunnerbogymnasiet, Ljungby
Openflexure microscope kits were tested in the field with the help of students from Sunnerbogymnasiet. The students got to explore and learn more about the microscopic ecosystems of their local lake while simultaneously creating a valuable dataset of their findings.
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Classroom visit Spyken, Lund
OpenFlexure microscopes were brought to Spyken gymnasium during world water day, inviting students to explore and learn more about the microscopic ecosystems of their local lake while simultaneously creating a valuable dataset of their findings.
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March 2026
Classroom visit Kungshögsskolan, Ljungby
Five OpenFlexure microscopes were brought to a seventh grade classroom, inviting the students to explore and learn more about the microscopic ecosystems of their local lake while simultaneously creating a valuable dataset of their findings. Educational material, protocols, manuals etc will be made available once finalised.
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2025
Dec 2025
Carried out an OpenFlexure microscope build workshop and field testing at University of Eldoret, Kenya with University of Eldoret, Vattenhallen Science center and Lunds University. More information provided by Eldoret University can be found here.
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Sep 2025
Hasslemöllafest
Demonstrating the OpenFlexure microscope and its use in environmental monitoring at Biosphere reserve Storkriket's Hasslemöllafest.
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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.
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June 2025
Sjölabbet 2 workshop
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.
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Festival of Nature
Demonstrating the OpenFlexure microscope and its use in environmental monitoring at the Bristol and Bath Festival of Nature, UK.
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Wroclaw Workshop workshop
Demonstrating the OpenFlexure microscope and its use in environmental monitoring at Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland.
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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 workshop
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.
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2023
September 2023
Forskar Fredag
Demonstating the OpenFlexure microscope and its use in environmental monitoring at Vattenhallen Science Centre during Forskar Fredag.
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Tänk H2O! Bolmen
Demonstrating the OpenFlexure microscope and its use in environmental monitoring for students at Tänk H2O!
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This webpage, with all its contents, is to be considered under construction and not a final product.
