New ZEISS-Concept Life Sciences collaboration targets efficiency and reproducibility in drug discovery and cancer research

Driving innovation in spatial biology – from left: Giulia Tagliavini (CLS), Moritz Widmaier (ZEISS), Christopher Mills (CLS), Lydia Blackburn (CLS) and Sherry Derakhshani (ZEISS).

(IN BRIEF) ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions and Concept Life Sciences have formed a partnership to accelerate innovation in spatial biology by focusing on workflow automation, AI-powered analysis, and assay development. The collaboration introduces advanced imaging solutions such as the ZEISS Axioscan 7, SlideStream integration, and Mindpeak software to streamline tissue scanning and ensure reproducible results, addressing critical challenges in efficiency for CROs and their pharma and biotech clients. With spatial biology central to translational research and cancer studies, the partnership supports faster, more consistent evidence generation for drug development. Leaders from both organizations stressed that the initiative goes beyond technical improvements, aiming to turn high-quality imaging data into meaningful outcomes for advancing therapies and patient care.

(PRESS RELEASE) JENA, 23-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions has entered into a strategic partnership with UK-based Concept Life Sciences (CLS), a contract research organization, to advance workflow automation and scalable image analysis in spatial biology.

The collaboration brings together ZEISS’s expertise in high-performance microscopy with CLS’s role in biomarker discovery and drug development research. Together, the two organizations aim to set new standards in efficiency, reproducibility, and scalability, addressing critical challenges faced by pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

At the core of the partnership are several innovations designed to optimise spatial biology workflows. These include the adoption of the ZEISS Axioscan 7 for automated high-throughput imaging, SlideStream integration for seamless image management within laboratory information systems, the use of Mindpeak AI-powered image analysis software to generate reproducible datasets, and joint efforts in assay development for multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

With spatial biology playing an increasingly vital role in translational research and clinical applications, efficiency and consistency are becoming essential. Dr. Hayley Gooding, Biology Services Director at CLS, explained: “A key bottleneck in any spatial biology project is whole-slide tissue scanning, which can lead to unplanned reviews and repeat imaging, making it difficult to predict delivery timelines and associated costs. ZEISS is helping us to overcome this challenge with an efficient and reproducible automated workflow that truly benefits CROs offering this service. I’m proud to be working with our incredible spatial biology team – driven by a shared commitment to excellence and innovation – as we collaborate with ZEISS to advance scanning technology and deliver the very best for our customers.”

Dr. Florian Leiss, Head of Product and Applications for Spatial Biology at ZEISS, added: “By working with a CRO deeply involved in biomarker discovery and cancer research, we’re not just improving technical workflows, we’re advancing how data is translated into meaningful outcomes. Our aim is to support the industry in moving faster, with greater consistency, and ultimately bringing better therapies to patients.”

The partnership is positioned to deliver measurable benefits for drug development, cancer research, and broader clinical applications. By combining ZEISS’s imaging and analytical technologies with CLS’s applied research expertise, the collaboration highlights a shared commitment to creating impactful solutions that accelerate discovery and improve patient outcomes.

Media Contacts:

Vybhav Sinha
ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions
+49 (0)3641 64 3949
press.microscopy@zeiss.com

Source: ZEISS