Spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging of hard and soft matter

This symposium explores the latest developments and advanced applications of spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging for the analysis of hard and soft materials. Aiming to improve the characterisation of surfaces and interfaces, participants will discuss advances in spectroscopic techniques and hyperspectral imaging for the determination of chemical composition, structure and functional properties. Innovative approaches for multi-scale and multidimensional analysis will be addressed, with a focus on the fields of advanced materials, and nanoscience.

Innovations and synergies in correlative microscopy

Quantitative imaging in SEM/STEM, Electron Diffraction, 4D-STEM and Ptychography

The session allows for precise measurements of structural parameters, strain fields, and electromagnetic properties, and enable the detailed structural and compositional analysis, guiding the design of new materials. The integration of machine learning and advanced computational algorithms enrich these methods further and lead to more accurate and efficient data interpretation. The session aims to highlight the latest developments in all aspects of computational and experimental microscopy.

Advances in Single Particle Analysis (SPA) and Cryo-Electron Microscopy

Development of sample preparation methods, instrumentation, workflows, and data solutions for volume electron microscopy

Electron optics and beam shaping for electron microscopy

The incredible success of electron microscopy in recent years builds, aside from improvements in detector technology and data processing, on innovation in electron optics. We now have much better spatial and energy resolution, more  detailed chemical and analytical information,  spectroscopy of excitations, imaging of dose sensitive material than even 10 years ago, permitting us to explore materials phenomena that were previously inaccessible or accessible less directly by other probes.

Beyond this, the emerging capability of shaping electron beams with very many degrees of freedom takes us beyond the paradigm of standard electron optics. Inspired by light optics in the capability to arbitrarily modify a coherent wavefront, beam shaping allows us to obtain functional probes and novel detection methods.

This session is therefore dedicated to the innovation in both conventional electron optics and electron beam shaping (in both space and time?). Special attention will be given to techniques that push the boundary of microscopy in the direction of quantum metrology.

In-situ and Environmental Microscopy

Structural and functional materials often operate under dynamic conditions, such as elevated temperatures, electrical and magnetic fields, mechanical loads, and under various aqueous, gaseous and electrochemical environments. Emerging in-situ and environmental microscopy techniques are transforming multidisciplinary research by providing unprecedented insights into material behaviour under realistic in-situ and operando conditions. These advancements are revolutionising experimental platforms across physics, chemistry, materials science, and beyond. Innovations such as advanced aberration correctors, functional TEM/SEM holders, and ultra-sensitive detectors enable multi-scale, temporal, and high spatial resolution analyses, unlocking previously unattainable understanding of structural, optical, mechanical, and chemical processes in materials.

Contributions on all TEM/SEM methods for investigating dynamic processes are welcomed. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to, structural and functional materials, such as energy materials, catalytic processes and chemical reactions, low-dimensional nanomaterials, and geological materials and processes.

Machine Learning and Data Analysis in Microscopy: Advances and Open-Source Solutions

Open-source software has emerged as a vital catalyst in the advancement of electron microscopy. By empowering researchers to collaboratively develop and refine tools with the advanced features necessary for cutting-edge investigations, it accelerates scientific discovery while ensuring transparency and reproducibility. Moreover, the integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence into data acquisition, analysis, simulation, and interpretation is revolutionising the field. These approaches are transforming the way we process and understand complex, multi-dimensional datasets generated by modern microscopes.

This session will explore the latest advances in open-source solutions and applications of machine learning to electron microscopy.

Advances in Multiscale fluorescence imaging and image processing

Volume Electron Microscopy in Life Sciences and Tissue Engineering

This session delves into two interconnected themes: the use of volume electron microscopy (vEM) in life sciences and advancements in tissue engineering. For life sciences, the session highlights vEM’s role in unravelling complex 3D structures of tissues and ultrastructures of cells and subcellular compartments, bridging the gap between structural resolution and functional insight. Key discussions include innovations in imaging workflows, integration with other modalities, and analysis pipelines designed for large-scale datasets. In the realm of tissue engineering, the focus shifts to exploring cutting-edge strategies for designing, visualizing, and analyzing engineered scaffolds and cell-material interactions. While these two fields often operate independently, the session emphasizes the active involvement of both, encouraging direct collaboration. By bringing together researchers in the fields of vEM and tissue engineering, the session aims to foster a dynamic exchange of ideas, techniques, and solutions that have the potential to drive new breakthroughs at the intersection of these disciplines.

Structure and function of cells and organelles

This session aims to provide a comprehensive platform for sharing discoveries that enhance our understanding of cellular structure and function. We invite talks that apply various microscopic tools in any model organism (cell lines, invertebrates, vertebrates and plants) and present results that help to understand the architecture and dynamic functions of cells and their organelles. Studies on membrane trafficking and the emerging field of intra- and extracellular vesicles, including the biogenesis and functional roles of vesicles in intra- and intercellular communication, are requested. Autophagy and related processes hold special interest. Topics involving the combination of state-of-the-art microscopy technologies are warmly welcomed. Works that uncover novel regulatory pathways with structural consequences, signalling/secretion mechanisms, and their implications in health and disease is encouraged.

Microscopy in pathology and regenerative medicine

This session will deal with topics ranging from pathology research and diagnostics to regenerative medicine, with the common background of microscopy. The usefulness of various studies based on light microscopy, transmission/scanning electron microscopy, and fluorescent/confocal techniques will be highlighted and represent the core of this panel. We anticipate a significant contribution from pathologists presenting a broad panel of antibodies used in diagnostics. Also, scientists engaged in research on regenerative medicine are cordially invited to participate and present their results, sharing and introducing new directions, trends, and achievements in up-to-date medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.

Cell dynamics and high-resolution fluorescence microscopy

Fluorescence microscopy remains an indispensable tool for investigating subcellular structures and dynamic processes in live samples. By enabling real-time, non-invasive imaging, this technique provides insights into cellular mechanisms under physiological and pathological conditions. Recent advancements in far-field fluorescence microscopy, particularly the emergence of high-speed methods, such as the spinning disk microscopy, and super-resolution methods such as STED, SIM, and STORM, have redefined the limits of optical microscopy. These techniques have significantly improved temporal resolution and achieve spatial resolutions down to a few tens of nanometers, far exceeding the classical diffraction limit (~200 nm laterally and ~600 nm axially), thereby bridging the resolution gap between light and electron microscopy. Enhanced spatial resolution of super-resolution techniques has significantly advanced our understanding of cellular and tissue architecture. Furthermore, the ability to track live processes at these scales and improved speed has provided invaluable insights into dynamic cellular events. The session will showcase these advancements, highlighting their impact on the fields of cell biology and physiology.

From a whole organism to sub-cellular imaging: correlative microscopy and multimodal imaging

Correlative microscopy and multimodal imaging integrate various modalities based on different energy sources, such as light, electrons and X-rays, to study the same object. These techniques produce images across a wide range of scales—from molecular details to entire organisms. While each imaging tool has its advantages and limitations, combining their outputs allows researchers generally to overlay structural, functional, and compositional data. This integration places findings within a precise anatomical/structural context, enabling a deeper understanding of biological processes and their functions. Join us to explore innovative workflows, strategies and solutions in correlative and multimodal imaging. Researchers from all disciplines are invited to participate!

Advances in sample preparation in biomedical research and beyond

3D functional imaging of materials and biological samples

While we live in a three-dimensional world, traditional imaging techniques, including microscopy, have often been limited to two-dimensional views. Recent advances in microscopy, labeling techniques, and computational analysis have bridged this gap, enabling detailed 3D visualization of objects across a range of spatial and temporal scales.

This session will highlight recent progress in 3D imaging and analysis, focusing on morphological, temporal, and functional studies. Topics will include techniques such as X-ray microtomography, laser-scanning microscopy, super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, volume electron microscopy, and functional imaging methods like PET and MRI. Explore how these tools are shaping research and diagnostics today.

Although the session positioned within Life Science microscopy chapter, it will cover spatial imaging and analysis of organisms and materials.

Ceramics, Ceramic Composites and Geological Materials

All-scale microstructural characterization is essential for understanding the complex relationship between microstructure and properties in both synthesized and natural materials. The application of microscopy techniques drives innovation in ceramic materials and aids in interpreting the geophysical and geochemical history of minerals and rocks. In this session, we welcome contributions, where conventional and latest advanced microscopy methods including 2D and/or 3D imaging (SEM, TEM, STEM…), diffraction (EBSD, 4D STEM,…), spectroscopy (EDX, EELS, CL, Raman…) and FIB techniques, are applied at either normal or in-situ conditions to solving challenges in synthesized powders, polycrystalline ceramics and geological materials. Examples include, but are not limited to, characterization of microstructuralfeatures (distribution of grain sizes and grain orientation, analysis of phase composition, distribution of phases, the presence of inclusions, grain boundaries, planar defects like dislocations, twins, antiphase boundaries and others, the presence of oriented intergrowths and similar exciting micro- and nanoscale phenomena) to understand and further develop the properties of advanced and traditional ceramics and to understand mineral formation, diagenesis, and deformation in geological materials. This session invites contributions from academia, industry, and research institutions, fostering interdisciplinary discussions to address challenges and future directions in the field.

Polymers, Soft, and Organic Materials

The session invites contributions on both fundamental and applied aspects of polymers, biomaterials and other soft materials including polymer blends, composites, self-assembled particles in solutions, foams, hydrogels, liquid crystals, MOFs and COFs. The materials are expected to be investigated by state-of-the art microscopy techniques (namely light, electron, X-ray and scanning probe microscopy), but other characterization methods such as (micro/nano)spectroscopy and (micro/nano)mechanical characterizations are welcome as well.

Metals and Alloys

This session is focused on microscopic studies of metals and their alloys, as well as intermetallics, metal matrix composites, and other metal-based materials.

The unique and novel advanced engineering metallic materials are attracting ever increasing attention and development for their exceptional combination of properties such as ultra high strength combined with lightweight, improved fatigue, corrosion resistance, biocompatibility and catalytic properties. To achieve this, the most important step is to determine microstructure – properties relationship, by studying the data obtained by microscopic examinations (LM, TEM, SEM, SPM, EDS, EBDS, diffraction patterns etc.) and their careful interpretation. Additionally, in the session, special cases of metal sample preparation might also be presented

0D, 1D and 2D Materials

As nanomaterials play a central role in current and future technologies, advanced electron microscopy techniques have become essential for characterizing their structure, chemistry, and local properties. These materials include: nanoparticles, quantum dots, clusters, single atoms (all of them categorized as 0D), one-dimensional structures (such as nanowires, nanotubes, and nanorods), two-dimensional layered materials (graphene, TMDS, MXenes, etc.), and heterostructures. Electron microscopy is crucial for addressing emerging challenges in nanomaterials, like improving synthesis, controlling the size and morphology of nanoparticles, understanding the growth mechanisms and defects in 1D nanostructures, and examining the interfaces, strain, and electronic properties of 2D materials. This symposium will explore how advanced electron microscopy is being used to tackle these critical issues in nanomaterial characterization.

Magnetic, Ferroelectric, and Spintronic Materials

This section highlights advances in the study of magnetic, ferroelectric, and spintronic materials, emphasizing the role of state-of-the-art microscopy techniques in understanding material properties. Topics include the structure and phase composition of these materials down to the nano scale and their relationship to electronic, magnetic, and spintronic properties and performance, which drives the development of novel functional materials. The section aims to bridge fundamental research with practical applications and encourages discussions in this field. 

Thin films, Heterostructures, Coatings, Surfaces and Interface

The session will focus on the latest advancements in the morphological, structural, compositional, electronic, and other microscopic characterization techniques applied to functional materials for energy generation, harvesting, and storage applications. It is intended to highlight both in situ and in operando results as well as post-mortem characterization. Topics of interest include (but not limited) materials for lithium and other ion batteries, electro- and photo-catalysis, hydrogen production and storage, supercapacitors, photovoltaics, thermoelectric materials, and CO2 capture. Contributions are welcomed from various characterization techniques, including SEM, FIB, TEM, STEM, 4D STEM, EELS, EDXS, and materials properties-related to in operando electrochemistry. Contributions that focus on recent developments in Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning methods for the microscopic investigation of material properties within the scope of the session are also encouraged.

Advanced Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion

Structural and functional materials often operate under dynamic conditions, such as elevated temperatures, electrical and magnetic fields, mechanical loads, and under various aqueous, gaseous and electrochemical environments. Emerging in-situ and environmental microscopy techniques are transforming multidisciplinary research by providing unprecedented insights into material behaviour under realistic in-situ and operando conditions. These advancements are revolutionising experimental platforms across physics, chemistry, materials science, and beyond. Innovations such as advanced aberration correctors, functional TEM/SEM holders, and ultra-sensitive detectors enable multi-scale, temporal, and high spatial resolution analyses, unlocking previously unattainable understanding of structural, optical, mechanical, and chemical processes in materials. Contributions on all TEM/SEM methods for investigating dynamic processes are welcomed. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to, structural and functional materials, such as energy materials, catalytic processes and chemical reactions, low-dimensional nanomaterials, and geological materials and processes.

Advanced Functional Materials

Exploring Advanced Functional Materials through Electron Microscopy: Innovations, Applications, and Future Directions

Advanced organic and inorganic functional materials – such as novel semiconductors, quantum dots, 2D materials, high-performance alloys, smart drug delivery molecules, self-healing polymers – are revolutionizing industries and enabling technological advancements in energy, electronics, and healthcare. This session will elucidate the role of electron microscopy in prototyping characterizing these materials at different length scales in terms of structure, chemical composition and electronic properties. Suitable topics for this session are:

• Correlative approaches: Integrating electron microscopy and other microscopic techniques with complementary techniques like X-ray spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy to provide multi-scale, multi-dimensional insights.
• In situ and operando microscopy: Electron microscopy techniques that allow real-time observation of materials under working conditions, shedding light on dynamic processes such as phase transitions, degradation mechanisms, and reaction pathways.
• Applications in emerging technologies: Case studies demonstrating the impact of electron microscopy in developing next-generation batteries, catalysts, electronic devices, and biomaterials.
• Use of electron microscopy for the production of nanostructured advanced functional materials: Practical examples where FIBs or similar instruments are used as prototyping machines creating unique functional materials.

All other results on any type of advanced functional materials are also welcome.