Faculty of Biology at the University of Belgrade has been operating in the field of neuroscience and physiology for almost a decade. As addition to these resources, it has been equipped with a laser scanning confocal microscope that will present the core facility for the project research management. It is a research institution, supported mostly by public partnership. Exchange of young researchers and experts, transfer of know-how, networking towards mutual FP-type grants are mentioned as possible ways of establishing stronger international cooperation.

The Center for laser microscopy was founded in 2005 and its preparatory phase was financed by the FP6 SSA INCO project 026400 NEUROIMAGE (2006-2009). Additional sources of funding are national grant (#B143054), international bilateral grants (Croatia, France-CNRS, Hungary) and multinational grants – COST.

Institute for Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade which hosts the Centre for laser microscopy in addition to diverse resources for neuroscience and physiology is equipped with a laser scanning confocal microscope that presents its core infrastructural facility. The principal mission is to 1) develop the confocal imaging core platform taking into account specific scientific directions, i.e. physiology time-series and plasticity 2) increase the capacity to participate in the research programmes of the EU and to improve already existing links with well-established European research centres via intense networking, 3) strengthen the technical capacity by upgrading and maintenance of equipment and by provision of key skills, employment of young researchers and exchange visits of scientists, 4) bridge the gap between theoretical and applied science and serve the socio-economic needs of the country by supporting medical and pharmaceutical research through interaction with medical institutions, 5) disseminate knowledge of cell imaging beyond the field of neuroscience and forming a wide regional database of potential users and collaborators.

Experimental models of CNS damage is studied by means of modern biophysical techniques -laser scanning confocal microscopy, electrophysiology («patch-clamp») and in collaboration with Faculty of Physical Chemistry - in vivo NMR (MRI). These techniques are employed to reach the basic conditions for the formation of neurophysiological and biophysical profiles –«neuroprofiles» of cells and tissues in the state of homeostatic disbalance.
The expected results will put light on the role of postsynaptic receptors and glutamate transporters, of oxidative stress and calcium homeostasis, of inflammatory lesions, of neurons and glia interactions- in the processes of injury, healing, and recovery. Forming of “neuroprofiles” should thus facilitate more precise and specific diagnostics, and a more reliable introduction of therapeutic and neuroprotective agents.