The AMI Program for Equipment Exchange and Reutilization (PEER) aims to redistribute high quality microscopes to worthy non-profit research/teaching institutions across the continent. In partnerships with commercial microscope manufacturers, provision of free high-end microscopes will be made accessible through a competitive, peer-reviewed application system and requires specific commitments from the recipient institution. The guiding principals of the PEER initiative aim to ensure that:

• The awarded equipment is made accessible as a shared resource within the institution and that there are mechanisms for external users to utilize the equipment;

• Designated full-time employees receive training and are retained by the awarded institute to provide technical support for the equipment;

• The institution commits to the ensuring the sustainability of the instrument by contributing to the on-going costs of system maintenance, e.g.: through the purchase of specially-negotiated, reduced-cost annual service agreements.

The ultimate goal of the program is to support the expansion of imaging core facilities in Africa through the availability of high quality microscopes, maintenance support, and local expertise.