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Symposium Descriptions

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Biological/Life Sciences Symposia 

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Cross-Cutting Sciences Symposia

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Physical/Analytical Sciences Symposia

Biological/Life Sciences Symposia 

BL1 - Expansion, Super-Resolution & Single Molecule Microscopy 

This session explores advanced imaging approaches that overcome the diffraction limit to reveal biological structure and molecular organization with nanometer-scale precision. Topics will include expansion microscopy, which physically enlarges biological specimens to enable nanoscale imaging with conventional microscopes, alongside super-resolution and single-molecule techniques such as PALM, STORM, MINFLUX, SIM, single-particle tracking, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, and tracking-based super-resolution methods. Speakers will highlight advances in sample preparation, specimen chemistry, labeling and probe development, and protocols that preserve ultrastructure and molecular information while enabling quantitative analysis. Applications across neuroscience, cell biology, and pathology will be showcased, demonstrating how these technologies uncover molecular dynamics, interactions, and spatial organization in live and fixed cells, and how they can be integrated with multiplexed imaging approaches to provide deeper biological insight.

BL2 - Dynamic & Intravital Imaging 

This session focuses on imaging biological processes in their native physiological context and across time, from molecular interactions to whole-organism dynamics. It will highlight advances in intravital microscopy that enable direct visualization of living tissues, including methods for deep-tissue imaging, motion stabilization, and extended long-term observation. Complementing these approaches, speakers will showcase live-cell and live-tissue imaging techniques for capturing dynamic biological events across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Topics will include minimizing phototoxicity, improving temporal resolution, and developing quantitative analysis methods for extracting meaningful information from time-lapse datasets. Applications in immunology, cancer biology, developmental biology, and other fields will demonstrate how dynamic and intravital imaging bridge the gap between cellular mechanisms and physiological function, providing new insights into biological processes as they unfold in space and time.

BL3 - Advances in Optical Microscopy 

This session will explore the convergence of advanced imaging technologies, spatially resolved molecular profiling, and computational analysis approaches that are transforming biological discovery. Topics will include spatial omics and multiplex imaging methods, such as high-plex fluorescence imaging, in situ sequencing, and spatial proteomics, which enable comprehensive characterization of cells and tissues while preserving their native spatial organization. Speakers will discuss experimental design considerations, imaging platforms, and strategies for integrating multimodal datasets to uncover complex biological relationships within heterogeneous samples. The session will also highlight emerging and hybrid microscopy technologies, including smart and adaptive imaging systems, automation-driven workflows, and non-fluorescence-based approaches such as phase, label-free, and spectroscopic imaging. These innovations expand the range of observable biological phenomena, improve imaging efficiency, and provide complementary information to established fluorescence-based methods. Recognizing that modern imaging experiments generate increasingly large and complex datasets, presentations will address computational approaches for image segmentation, tracking, quantification, visualization, and data interpretation. Topics will include machine learning, artificial intelligence, reproducible analysis workflows, and best practices for managing and extracting knowledge from high-dimensional imaging data. Together, these advances demonstrate how the integration of novel imaging modalities, spatial molecular measurements, and powerful analytical tools is enabling deeper, more quantitative insights into biological systems across scales.

BL4 - Single Particle Analysis - Advances in Structural Biology 

This session will feature the application of Cryo-EM to understanding the structures of proteins. Speakers will present novel processing approaches, experimental strategies, and applications, highlighting breadth of proteins structures that can be studied using cryo-EM.

BL5 - Cryo-Electron Tomography of Macromolecules, Cells and Tissues

This session will feature the application of cryo-electron tomogprahy and cryo focussed ion beam scanning electron microscopy to understand the structures of macromolecular complexes and organelles. Speakers will present novel methodological approaches, experimental strategies, and applications, highlighting the molecular sociology of proteins and organelles in cells at the highest possible resolution.

BL6 - Volume Imaging in Life Sciences 

This session focuses on three-dimensional imaging approaches that reveal ultrastructure across large biological volumes. Topics include serial block-face SEM, FIB-SEM, array tomography, optical microscopy and X-ray imaging, highlighting both technical advances and biological applications.

BL7 - Life Science Electron Microscopy Sample Preparation – Past, Present and Future

This session explores the evolution of EM sample preparation, highlighting what can be learned from past experience rather than reinventing the wheel as knowledge is lost over time. From classical chemical fixation and staining to modern cryo-based and correlative workflows. Presentations will examine current best practices, limitations, and future directions driven by automation, improved preservation, and multimodal imaging.

Cross-Cutting Sciences Symposia

CC01 - Real-World & Industry Challenges (& Solutions!) in Microscopy and Microanalysis 

Delivering reliable microanalytical results outside controlled laboratory environments remains a central challenge across disciplines. This symposium focuses on practical obstacles encountered in routine and high stakes microanalysis, including sample heterogeneity, measurement uncertainty, workflow robustness, data integration, and reproducibility. Contributions will explore pragmatic solutions spanning methodological adaptation, instrument and workflow design, quality assurance, and data interpretation strategies. Emphasis is placed on lessons learned from real world implementation and on approaches that improve confidence, efficiency, and decision making when microanalysis is applied to complex, imperfect, or time constrained problems.

CCO2 - Roger Wepf Memorial Symposium

This special symposium recognises the remarkable contributions of Prof. Roger Wepf to microscopy research, facility leadership, and community building. Spanning both the life and physical sciences, the symposium will showcase advances in electron microscopy instrumentation, microscopy and image analysis while reflecting on Roger's role in fostering collaboration, mentoring researchers, and advancing microscopy capabilities throughout Australia. The session aims to celebrate a career that has left a lasting legacy across multiple generations of microscopists.

CC03 - Advances in Multi-Modal & Correlative Imaging - Life & Materials Science 

Rapid advances in imaging, spectroscopy and data integration are transforming how complex biological and materials systems are investigated across multiple length scales. This symposium will showcase multimodal and correlative approaches that combine complementary techniques—including electron, ion, photon, X-ray and scanning-probe methods—to generate spatially, structurally and chemically coherent datasets. Emphasis will be placed on correlative workflows, multimodal data fusion, image registration and integrated analytical platforms that connect morphology, ultrastructure, composition, molecular identity and function. Applications will span life science, materials science, geoscience and nanotechnology, from linking cellular architecture with molecular and chemical information to resolving heterogeneous interfaces, defects and functional responses in advanced materials. The symposium will highlight how multimodal and correlative imaging enables more complete interpretation of complex systems than any single technique alone.

CC04 - Image Analysis, AI & Machine Learning for Light, Electron, Xray & Multi-Modal Microscopy & Microanalysis

Advances in microscopy, spectroscopy and microanalysis are generating increasingly large, complex and multimodal datasets across the life and materials sciences. This symposium will showcase computational approaches that transform imaging and analytical data into robust, quantitative insight. Topics will include, but not limited to, image segmentation, object tracking, classification, reconstruction, diffraction and spectral analysis, quantitative imaging, visualisation and management of large 2D and 3D datasets. Particular emphasis will be placed on artificial intelligence, machine learning and data-driven methods for light, electron, X-ray and multimodal microscopy, including automated analysis, multimodal data fusion, autonomous microscopy and AI-assisted experimental design. The symposium will also address reproducibility, validation and best practices for handling complex imaging data. Applications will span biological, biomedical, materials and physical sciences, highlighting how advanced analysis can reveal relationships between structure, composition, dynamics and function that are difficult to extract through conventional approaches alone.

CC05 - Frontiers & Applications of Scanning Probe Microscopy for the Physical, Life & Materials Sciences 

This symposium highlights recent advances in scanning probe microscopy (SPM), with an emphasis on instrumentation, methodological innovation, and emerging applications across the physical, life, and materials sciences. Topics include innovations in instrumentation, probe design, multimodal imaging, quantitative characterisation, and data-driven measurement methods. Contributions are encouraged on advanced SPM related techniques, including AFM, PFM, cAFM, KPFM, and related approaches, applied to biological and biomolecular systems, quantum materials, ferroelectric, magnetic, energy, 2D, and other functional materials. The symposium aims to bridge methodological innovation with practical applications, enabling nanoscale insights into the structural, electrical, mechanical, and functional properties of diverse systems.

CC06 - Microscopy Outreach: Educating the Wider Community to Inspire the Next Generation of Microscopists 

This symposium will showcase microscopy outreach initiatives, successful programs and practical examples of engagement across schools, universities, research facilities, museums and community settings. It will highlight how microscopy can be made accessible to diverse audiences, stimulate scientific curiosity and demonstrate the role of imaging in understanding materials, biological systems and the world around us. Contributions are invited on established or emerging outreach activities, classroom and community programs, hands-on demonstrations, digital and virtual microscopy, partnerships, inclusive engagement strategies and evidence of impact in inspiring future microscopists and strengthening public engagement with science.

Physical/Analytical Sciences Symposia 

PA1 - Microscopy and Microanalysis for Sustainable Mineral Resource, & Circular Materials Processing 

Microscopy and microanalysis are central to understanding how minerals, ores, processed materials and environmental residues behave across the full resource lifecycle. This symposium will bring together researchers working in mineral characterisation, resource processing, extractive metallurgy, recycling, waste valorisation and environmental materials. The symposium will cover electron microscopy, microanalysis, X-ray methods, spectroscopy, in situ analysis and high-throughput workflows applied to mineral identification and liberation analysis, ore textures, phase and interface characterisation, reaction pathways during processing, critical-mineral recovery, tailings and mine-waste analysis, recycled and secondary raw materials, and the transformation of industrial residues into new products. Case studies will demonstrate how microstructural and chemical information can improve exploration, optimise processing and recovery, reduce waste, assess environmental impact and support circular use of materials. The session will highlight how microscopy and microanalysis help connect mineral structure and composition with process performance, resource efficiency and environmental outcomes.

PA2 - Macro to Quantum - Advances & Applications of Focused Ion Beams

Focused ion beams are enabling increasingly precise fabrication, characterisation and modification of materials across length scales, from micron-scale structures to quantum devices. This symposium will showcase advances in FIB instrumentation, workflows and applications across materials science, geology, semiconductors, optics, nanomaterials and quantum technologies. Topics will include site-specific sample preparation, microscale machining and mechanical testing, 3D and atom probe tomography, ion–solid interactions, defect engineering, device prototyping and in situ experimentation. The symposium will also highlight next-generation developments in ion-source technology, including gas-field and metal-alloy sources, low-damage and cryogenic milling, femtosecond-laser integration, correlative microanalysis and multimodal imaging. Particular emphasis will be placed on automation, AI-assisted workflows and integrated analytical platforms that improve precision, throughput and data interpretation. By bringing together emerging technologies and applications, the symposium will explore how focused ion beams are expanding from established materials characterisation tools into versatile platforms for advanced manufacturing, device development and quantum-scale discovery.

PA3 - Advanced electron microscopy and Spectroscopy for functional materials

Emerging functional materials are enabling new physical phenomena and technological capabilities beyond those of conventional material systems. This symposium will highlight advances in electron microscopy and spectroscopy for resolving the structure, chemistry and functional behaviour of materials including twisted and moiré two-dimensional systems, hybrid and heterostructured materials, high-entropy alloys and oxides, complex metallic systems, and other advanced functional materials. Particular emphasis will be placed on atomic-resolution imaging and spectroscopy, together with developments in EDX, EELS and complementary analytical techniques, to reveal structure–property relationships across multiple length scales. Contributions addressing defects, interfaces, local structural and chemical ordering, phase transformations, electronic structure and nanoscale functional behaviour are encouraged. The symposium will bring together researchers developing and applying advanced electron microscopy and spectroscopic methods to understand how local structure and chemistry govern macroscopic properties, device performance and materials functionality.

PA4 - 4D/5D STEM, Ptychography and other Diffraction based techniques  

Recent advances in detector technology, computational methods and electron optics are transforming diffraction-based microscopy and enabling new approaches for imaging and analysis of materials at unprecedented resolution. This symposium will highlight developments and applications of 4D/5D STEM, ptychography, electron diffraction based methods for materials characterisation. Topics include strain and field mapping, phase and orientation analysis, atomic-resolution imaging, low-dose and beam-sensitive materials characterisation, in-situ and time-resolved diffraction methods.

PA5 - In-situ and time-resolved microscopy and spectroscopy 

Understanding dynamic processes in materials and devices requires advanced characterisation techniques capable of probing structural, chemical and functional evolution in real time and under operating conditions. This symposium will highlight developments and applications of in-situ, operando and time-resolved microscopy and spectroscopy across a broad range of materials systems. Topics include heating, cooling, electrical biasing, mechanical testing, gas and liquid cell microscopy, ultrafast and pump–probe methods, and dynamic imaging under external stimuli. Contributions covering electron, x-ray and scanning probe microscopy and spectroscopy, as well as correlative and multimodal approaches for investigating phase transformations, defect dynamics, transport phenomena, interfacial processes and nanoscale functional behaviour are encouraged.

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