UCSD School of Medicine Microscopy Core
The School of Medicine Microscopy Core will implement updated recharge rates effective: November 1, 2025.
This will be our first major rate adjustment in 10 years. During that time, we have strived to keep user costs down while continuing to provide high-quality instrumentation and technical support. Previously, core operations were partially subsidized by an NINDS P30 Center grant, but this mechanism ended in 2022. Although we have successfully obtained two NIH S10 instrument grants in the past five years—thanks to strong faculty and user support—these funds cover instrument purchases only, not ongoing operational expenses.
The new rates reflect inflation and rising costs for service contracts, maintenance, and software licensing, and are essential to sustaining the high standards of the core. As a benchmark, the confocal microscope rate will increase from $36/hr to $38/hr, a 5.6% increase. This change has been endorsed by the Core’s Faculty Steering Committee and approved by the campus Costing Policy & Analysis Office.
Updated rates will be posted on our website and will take effect for reservations starting October 31, 2025. Looking ahead, we anticipate modest rate adjustments in future years to help close operational deficits and maintain long-term stability.
We appreciate your understanding and continued partnership in supporting the Microscopy Core. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Santini, Managing Director
Binhai Zheng, PhD, Faculty Director
School of Medicine Microscopy Core
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Contact us
Managing Director: Jennifer Santini
Phone: 858-534-0538
Email: jsantini@health.ucsd.edu
Microscopist / Histologist: Marcy Erb
Phone: 858-534-8803
Email: merb@health.ucsd.edu
Location: CMM-East (CMME) Building
Citation Guidelines for Using the SOM Microscopy Core
All publications using SOM Microscopy Core resources must cite the following grant numbers:
NS047101, OD030505, OD036455
Example acknowledgment:
Microscopy imaging was performed at the UCSD SOM Microscopy Core
(NS047101, OD030505, OD036455).