From observation to understanding : A multi-agent framework for smart microscopy
Kesavan, P S LU and Nordenfelt, Pontus LU
(2026)
In Journal of Microscopy
p.1-21
- Abstract
Smart microscopy represents a paradigm shift in biological imaging, moving from passive observation tools to active collaborators in scientific inquiry. Enabled by advances in automation, computational power, and artificial intelligence, these systems are now capable of adaptive decision-making and real-time experimental control. Here, we introduce a theoretical framework that reconceptualises smart microscopy as a partner in scientific investigation. Central to our framework is the concept of the 'epistemic-empirical divide' in cellular investigation, describing the gap between what is observable (empirical domain) and what must be understood (epistemic domain). We propose six core design principles: epistemic-empirical awareness,... (More)
Smart microscopy represents a paradigm shift in biological imaging, moving from passive observation tools to active collaborators in scientific inquiry. Enabled by advances in automation, computational power, and artificial intelligence, these systems are now capable of adaptive decision-making and real-time experimental control. Here, we introduce a theoretical framework that reconceptualises smart microscopy as a partner in scientific investigation. Central to our framework is the concept of the 'epistemic-empirical divide' in cellular investigation, describing the gap between what is observable (empirical domain) and what must be understood (epistemic domain). We propose six core design principles: epistemic-empirical awareness, hierarchical context integration, an evolution from detection to perception, adaptive measurement frameworks, narrative synthesis capabilities, and cross-contextual reasoning. Together, these principles guide a multi-agent architecture designed to align empirical observation with the goals of scientific understanding. Our framework provides a roadmap for building microscopy systems that go beyond automation to actively support hypothesis generation, insight discovery, and theory development, redefining the role of scientific instruments in the process of knowledge creation.
(Less)
- author
- Kesavan, P S
LU
and Nordenfelt, Pontus
LU
- organization
-
- Quantitative immunobiology (research group)
- Lund Laser Centre, LLC
- Infect@LU
- LU Profile Area: Light and Materials
- LTH Profile Area: Nanoscience and Semiconductor Technology
- NanoLund: Centre for Nanoscience
- LTH Profile Area: Photon Science and Technology
- epIgG (research group)
- SEBRA Sepsis and Bacterial Resistance Alliance (research group)
- publishing date
- 2026-01-15
- type
- Contribution to journal
- publication status
- epub
- subject
- in
- Journal of Microscopy
- pages
- 1 - 21
- publisher
- Wiley-Blackwell
- external identifiers
-
- scopus:105027681007
- pmid:41537686
- ISSN
- 0022-2720
- DOI
- 10.1111/jmi.70063
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- yes
- additional info
- © 2026 The Author(s). Journal of Microscopy published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Royal Microscopical Society.
- id
- f9fc05dd-7c51-49dd-bdde-d72ee977e236
- date added to LUP
- 2026-02-20 15:29:07
- date last changed
- 2026-02-23 08:34:44
@article{f9fc05dd-7c51-49dd-bdde-d72ee977e236,
abstract = {{<p>Smart microscopy represents a paradigm shift in biological imaging, moving from passive observation tools to active collaborators in scientific inquiry. Enabled by advances in automation, computational power, and artificial intelligence, these systems are now capable of adaptive decision-making and real-time experimental control. Here, we introduce a theoretical framework that reconceptualises smart microscopy as a partner in scientific investigation. Central to our framework is the concept of the 'epistemic-empirical divide' in cellular investigation, describing the gap between what is observable (empirical domain) and what must be understood (epistemic domain). We propose six core design principles: epistemic-empirical awareness, hierarchical context integration, an evolution from detection to perception, adaptive measurement frameworks, narrative synthesis capabilities, and cross-contextual reasoning. Together, these principles guide a multi-agent architecture designed to align empirical observation with the goals of scientific understanding. Our framework provides a roadmap for building microscopy systems that go beyond automation to actively support hypothesis generation, insight discovery, and theory development, redefining the role of scientific instruments in the process of knowledge creation.</p>}},
author = {{Kesavan, P S and Nordenfelt, Pontus}},
issn = {{0022-2720}},
language = {{eng}},
month = {{01}},
pages = {{1--21}},
publisher = {{Wiley-Blackwell}},
series = {{Journal of Microscopy}},
title = {{From observation to understanding : A multi-agent framework for smart microscopy}},
url = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jmi.70063}},
doi = {{10.1111/jmi.70063}},
year = {{2026}},
}