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Data analysis suite

Advanced research data analysis support

The data analysis suite at Curtin MRI provides advanced computing and software for analysing complex research data. Supporting biological, imaging and flow cytometry studies, the suite helps researchers generate accurate insights and publication-ready results.

Data analysis suite

The facility features high performance workstations and dedicated analytical tools tailored to the needs of modern biomedical research.

Located in Building 305, Room 143, the suite supports data generated across multiple Curtin MRI research platforms, including microscopy and flow cytometry.

Researchers have access to specialised software for image analysis, statistical interpretation and advanced data visualisation.

By providing an integrated environment for post-acquisition analysis, the suite helps accelerate discovery, strengthen research outcomes and support innovation across a wide range of health and medical research projects.

Core analysis capabilities

1. Microscopy and imaging analysis

  • Visualisation of 2D and 3D biological images
  • Image segmentation, quantification, and reconstruction
  • Handling large datasets from confocal and advanced microscopes

2. Flow cytometry data analysis

  • Cell population analysis
  • Fluorescence intensity measurement
  • Cytokine and biomarker quantification

3. Data analysis, statistics and presentation

  • Statistical testing
  • Graphing and publication-ready figures
  • General scientific computing

Software used in the data analysis suite:

Microscopy and image analysis software

These are the core imaging tools:

  • ZEN (Zeiss)
    Proprietary software for Zeiss microscopes, used for image acquisition and analysis
  • Imaris (Oxford Instruments)
     Advanced 3D/4D visualisation, tracking, and modelling of biological structures
  • NIS-Elements (Nikon)
    Imaging software for Nikon systems, supports acquisition, analysis, and automation
  • Volocity (PerkinElmer)
    3D visualisation and quantification tool for microscopy datasets
  • FIJI / ImageJ
    Open-source image processing platform widely used in biomedical research

These tools together enable:

  • 3D reconstruction
  • Cell tracking
  • Quantitative image analysis
  • Custom pipelines via plugins (especially in ImageJ/FIJI)

Flow cytometry analysis software

  • FlowJo
    Industry-standard software for analysing flow cytometry data
  • FCAP Array Software Used for cytokine bead array analysis

(Additional tools used in related facilities include FlowLogic and Attune software)

These tools handle:

  • Cell population gating
  • Fluorescence analysis
  • Multi-parameter datasets

Data analysis, statistics, and plotting

  • GraphPad Prism
    Statistical analysis and scientific graphing (very common in life sciences)
  • R
    Programming language for statistical computing and reproducible analysis
  • Microsoft Windows (workstation OS)
    Platform environment for running the above tools

How the software fits together (workflow)

  • A typical workflow in the Curtin MRI Data Analysis Suite looks like this:

    1. Data acquisition
      • Microscopes or cytometers generate raw data
    2. Pre-processing & visualisation
      • ZEN, NIS-Elements, or Imaris
    3. Advanced analysis
      • ImageJ / FIJI or Volocity
      • FlowJo for cytometry
    4. Statistical analysis
      • GraphPad Prism or R
    5. Output
      • Figures, graphs, and quantified datasets for publications

Key characteristics of the suite

  • Multi-software ecosystem, not a single platform
  • Mix of commercial high-end tools and open-source tools
  • Focus on biomedical imaging and cell biology, not purely clinical MRI
  • Integrated with other Curtin MRI facilities like:
    • Microscopy and Histology Suite
    • Flow Cytometry Facility

Important clarification

The Data Analysis Suite supports research data analysis from microscopy, flow cytometry and related laboratory workflows. It is not intended as a clinical MRI brain imaging analysis facility.

Summary

The data analysis suite provides a dedicated research computing environment built around specialised imaging, cytometry, statistical and biological data analysis tools. Its strength lies in supporting researchers to integrate multiple software platforms into complete analysis workflows.

Training and access

All users must complete facility-specific training before gaining independent access to shared research equipment.

Training includes:

  • General induction: Covers fundamental principles, equipment operation and safety protocols.
  • Instrument-specific training: Provides hands-on instruction tailored to each researcher’s specific applications.
  • Refresher and advanced training: Supports ongoing skill development, troubleshooting and safe, effective equipment use.

Bookings and facility use

  • Licensed users have access to online booking systems for equipment scheduling.
  • Contact facility staff for training, troubleshooting, or equipment-specific queries.

Attribution and authorship

All research using Curtin MRI facilities must acknowledge the relevant facility in publications. Where significant intellectual contributions are made by facility staff, authorship should be considered.

Data analysus contact and support

For inquiries or feedback contact:

Michael Nesbit
Technical Specialist
Email: michael.nesbit@curtin.edu.au
Tel: +61 (08) 9266 2201

Data analysis suite

The data analysis suite provides a range of software tools for analysing microscopy and flow cytometry data, along with applications for statistical analysis and data visualisation. It is widely used by researchers across Curtin MRI.