The dry lab microscopist or prompt microscopist: do we need them?

In modern biological microscopy, the explosion of data volume and complexity highlights the urgent need for specialised data management support roles. While traditional microscopy focuses on visual data presentation, the rapid increase in big data acquisition and data mining demands advanced handling and analysis. This gap underscores the need for “dry lab microscopists” or data experts skilled in microscopy data management, software interoperability, and AI-driven solutions. Job markets reflect this demand, pointing to the necessity for dedicated training programs. Integrating these specialists into research institutions is crucial for addressing digital data challenges and maintaining high standards in data integrity and analysis. Their role is essential for advancing research in the data-driven era.