From printers and Python to pondlife and pathology: research into and using the OpenFlexure Microscope

The OpenFlexure Microscope is an open source, laboratory-grade robotic microscope, used by a diverse community including academic researchers, engineers, educators, pathologists and hobbyists (https://openflexure.org/, https://openflexure.discourse.group/). Users from over 60 countries have developed and used the device for everything ranging from exploring their garden's wildlife, to training medical students to diagnose cancer. Joe presents his experience as an academic member of the OpenFlexure development team for the last eight years. While his work focuses on the medical applications of the Microscope, research is planned and prioritised to benefit all members of the community. Development of the OpenFlexure software has enabled smart microscopy on the OpenFlexure Microscope, with automated sample identification, smart path planning and image processing, bringing novel research techniques such as digital pathology into new environments which traditionally lack the infrastructure to support them (https://gitlab.com/openflexure/openflexure-microscope-server, https://gitlab.com/openflexure/openflexure-microscope). The research builds on FOSS software and libraries, including Arduino and OpenCV, and extends open science by improving access to essential hardware. This is reflected in the range of OpenFlexure publications from outside the core development team, including peer reviewed articles in the fields of engineering, machine learning, medicine and social science.