infocus #40 December 2015 3D Printing in microscopy and science outreach

DOI: 10.22443/rms.inf.1.128

3D printing is a useful tool in aiding the interpretation and dissemination of data. It is ideally suited to microscopy, producing tactile models of micrographs and models of structure imaged using 3D microscopy. Models of data are useful for research, beneficial in education and provide an excellent opportunity for outreach and widening participation. In particular, groups of visually impaired and blind people have responded positively to microscopy workshops, gaining access to the microscopic world in ways that have not previously been possible.