Nikon Imaging Centers are state-of-the-art imaging facilities established as a partnership between key research institutes around the world and Nikon. Users of the NICs are exposed to the highest level of training in optical microscopy and the Centers often serve as sources for educating the scientific community about optical microscopy, from its fundamental principles to the latest developments in imaging technology.

A Nikon Centre of Excellence (NCE) is a partnership and exchange of knowledge with specific research centres which undertake to make an overall investment in a small number of Nikon advanced imaging instruments in its facility. The institute gains in terms of access to high-end research microscopes at a favourable rate and Nikon technical knowledge, and Nikon gains a showcase for its products and a training location.