Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) is a tool for studying biological processes in a live, multiparameter and quantitative manner. Modern FLIM confocal microscopes equipped with respective hardware and software enable rapid and high-quality 3D analysis of cell and tissue oxygenation, metabolism, cell proliferation and differentiation and their response to therapy and infection. FLIM systems already meet the requirements to work with patient-derived tumor xenografts, organoids and advanced 3D cell- and tissue-based models, but are open to the next generation imaging revolution(s) and emerging life science and biomedical research. Ghent University and University Hospital are strategically located in East Flanders, with strong connections to other departments, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Department of Pharmaceuticals, GUT, VIB, and major research centers in Belgium and abroad, including France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The establishment of a state-of-the-art FLIM microscope with live imaging will catalyze cutting-edge research excellence for Ghent University and collaborating teams, and facilitate the strengthening of Ghent and Belgium as a center of academic and entrepreneurial excellence, in the EU and the international community.