Project Grant 2348683

This National Science Foundation (NSF) Biological Sciences program Project Grant, with an award date of October 1, 2023 and total funding of $256,667.00, supports the development of advanced computational models to measure cellular traits in microscopy images. The goal is to create a universal deep-learning model that can readily quantify cell morphology in any microscopy image, with minimal training required. Specific objectives include developing methods for learning and extracting multidimensional representations of cell morphology, formulating strategies for correcting batch effects and removing technical variation, and designing approaches for analyzing and interpreting the biological significance of morphological features. The models created through this project will enable rapid image-based cellular analysis and be applicable across many biological research applications involving microscopy. All results, software tools, and models will be made publicly available online to facilitate broad use by the research community.