PROGRAM DIVISIONS & SYMPOSIA

Session Chairs: Nicole Schieber & Isabelle Bonne

Invited Speakers:
Errin Johnson, University of Sydney, Australia
Volume Electron Microscopy: how it started, how it’s going, future directions’
Elizabeth Duke, EMBL-Hamburg, Germany
Hard X-ray Imaging of Soft Biological Tissue: what happens when you harness the power of phase and penetration

Abstract:
Volume imaging in scientific research refers to the process of capturing and analyzing three-dimensional images of objects or biological specimens. This technique enables visualization of internal structures and detailed spatial information. Volume imaging is widely used in various fields such as biology, medicine, material science, and geology for understanding complex structures and phenomena at a microscopic or macroscopic level. This session covers all forms of volume imaging whether that be by light, electrons, or x-rays. Topics include confocal microscopy, serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM), focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), electron tomography, array tomography, X-ray Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Excludes cryo-EM tomography techniques which should go to … Also note there are specific sessions for Super-Resolution and Single Molecule Optical Microscopy; Light Sheet Microscopy; and Expansion Microscopy

Session Chairs: Isabelle Lucet & Eric Hanssen

Invited Speakers:
Hongwei Wang, Tsinghua University, China
Talk title coming soon

Abstract:
Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) plays a crucial role in capturing three-dimensional images of biological samples, offering profound insights into their complex structures. This session focuses on sample challenges and preparation techniques within Cryo-EM. Topics encompass plunge freezing methods, grid preparation and modification, use of adjuvants at the Air-Water Interface, protein support (biological adaptors and scaffolds), and membrane protein sample preparation. We invite submissions showcasing innovative methodologies and advancements in these areas.

Session Chairs: Andrew Leis & Jürgen Plitzko

Abstract:
CryoEM encompasses the fields of 2D imaging of vitrified biological specimens, single-particle analysis to solve 3D structures of biomolecules, cryo- electron tomography of cells, and related techniques with a common form of sample preparation. Please note that there are separate APMC sessions on electron tomography and micro electron diffraction. This session will concentrate on topical advances in cryoEM that enable faster data acquisition, new types of sample preparation including cryogenic focussed ion beam milling, advances in instrumentation for freezing or electron optics, and any promising variations on the established cryoEM workflow.

Session Chair: Georg Ramm, Nick Ariotti

Invited Speakers:
Robert Parton, IMB UQ Brisbane, Australia
Exploring cellular landscapes with Virtual Reality

Rachel Popelka-Filcoff, University of Melbourne, Australia
Shining a Light on Indigenous Australian Cultural Pigments Using Synchrotron and Microscopy Approaches

Abstract:
Multimodal and correlative imaging combines imaging techniques from distinct sources to answer complex questions about how samples are structured and behave under different conditions. This session will focus on biological samples and explore ways and means to link function, dynamics, and composition with structure. This session will explore cutting-edge research applications and innovations in correlation and will demonstrate how light, electrons, and x-rays can be combined to develop a deeper understanding of molecular processes that govern life. Applications and abstracts that also touch on correlative and multimodal analyses using techniques such as AFM and spatial chemical and molecular analyses (nanoSIMS, spatial transcriptomics etc) are encouraged.

Session Chair: Izzy Jayasinghe

Invited Speakers:
David Baddeley, University of Auckland, New Zealand
Getting the most out of super-resolution using high throughput imaging and incorporating prior knowledge.
Shirin Ansari, UNSW Sydney, Australia
Talk title coming soon
Kok Hao Chen, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore
Discovering cell type and tissue architecture with imaging-based spatial transcriptomics
Donna Whelan, La Trobe University, Australia
Talk title coming soon
Sonja Frolich, University of Adelaide, Australia
Next-generation imaging of malaria: AI-guided analysis of rhoptry dynamics and genome remodelling in Plasmodium falciparum

Abstract:
Super-resolution microscopies that include (collectively and not limited to) localisation, STED, structured illumination, expansion microscopies play a key role in resolving nanoscale structures and functional events of cells, tissues, and organisms. This session will cover exemplary innovations in both method development with regards to these techniques and applications in the life sciences.

Session Chairs: Michelle Digman, Jennifer Zenker & Shigeo Okabe

Invited Speakers:
Yumi Konagaya, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Japan
Live-cell and multiplexed immunofluorescence imaging reveal the cell fate decision mechanism of proliferation versus quiescence
Chittanon Buranachai, Thailand
DNA based fluorescent biosensors and portable devices for onsite detection

Abstract:
Life is not a static process, but highly dynamic. The advancement of spectroscopy and microscopy technologies to time-resolved resolution has revolutionized our possibilities in studying complex living systems and materials. The field continues to rapidly grow and in this session we will cover the newest technological and biological & physical applications of imaging life in time and space.

Session Chairs: Mihnea Bostina & Melanie Rug

Invited Speakers:
Oleg Sitsel, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Japan
Yersinia entomophaga Tc toxin is released by T10SS-dependent lysis of specialized cell subpopulations
Shee-mei Lok, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
Talk title coming soon

Abstract:
An enormous range of microscopy techniques are essential in answering fundamental questions underlying research into disease etiology, diagnosis and therapy across all organisms. This session will showcase research on molecular interactions/structural biology, cultured and primary cells, organoids or tissues related to pathological conditions, infectious agent biology and host-pathogen interactions.

Techniques might involve (but are not limited to) immunohistochemistry and new biomolecular labelling approaches on pathological tissues, fluorescence live cell imaging, electron and X-ray microscopy and correlative microscopy approaches. We particularly encourage contributions reporting on new and advanced methodological concepts leading to novel insight into combating disease.

Session Chairs: Masahide Kikkawa & Ariane Briegel

Invited Speakers:
Debnath Ghosal, The University of Melbourne, Australia
Exploring the microbial dark matter using electron cryotomography
Danielle Grotjahn, The Scripps Research Institute
Talk title coming soon

Abstract:
To fully understand the inner workings of a cell, we need to study the structure of protein complexes in their native context. Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) is becoming an increasingly popular tool to gain these insights. Recent advances in technical developments now enable high-resolution structure determination in the cellular context, as well as expanding the scale of biological specimens that can be studied from individual cells to tissues and whole organisms. In this session, we invite speakers to present their recent technical advances in cryo-ET, new biological insight gained by this technique, new image analysis tools, and/or correlative approaches.

Session Chairs: Sarah Ellis, Nigel Waterhouse

Invited Speakers:
James Wilmott, Charles Perkins Centre, Australia
Talk title coming soon
Jazmina Gonzalez Cruz, University of Queensland, Australia
Talk title coming soon

Abstract:
Spatial omics encompasses spatial transcriptomics, which determines the localisation of mRNA species in situ, and spatial proteomics, which pinpoints the location of proteins in situ. Both technologies have rapidly advanced in recent years and can be employed together on the same tissue section. It is now possible to profile the whole transcriptome or hundreds of proteins on a tissue section in a discovery-aimed approach before selecting a boutique panel for hypothesis-driven research. This session will explore these technologies and their uses in research.

Session Chair: Donna Whelan

Invited Speakers:
Stuart Ralph, University of Melbourne, Australia
Talk title coming soon
Izzy Jayasinghe, UNSW, Australia
Calibration and error detection in expansion microscopy of sub-cellular organelles

Abstract:
Expansion microscopy is one of the newest super-resolution imaging modalities and relies on the physical enlargement of biological cells and tissues. By making the specimen itself larger, Expansion microscopy can achieve sub-diffraction imaging resolutions on conventional light microscopes. It also offers potential advantages for de-crowding dense structures, enhancing signal-to-noise, and multiplexed labelling. However, questions and challenges remain regarding the reproducibility, imaging artifacts, and anisotropic expansion. This session encourages submissions on the development, optimization, and application of the various Expansion Microscopy techniques.

Session Chairs: Vinothkumar Kutti Ragunath & S. Ramasamy

Invited Speakers:
Swagatha Ghosh, Nagoya University, Japan
Microcrystallization and serial synchrotron crystallography structure of a red fluorescent protein from blue fish.
Jian-Ren Shen, Okayama University, Japan
Structural dynamics of photosynthetic water-oxidation studied by X-ray free electron lasers
Nadia Zatsepin, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia
XFEL and synchrotron serial crystallography for time-resolved dynamics of proteins.

Abstract:
In the present times, a vast number of structures of macromolecules exist in the database, experimentally determined by crystallography and several complex structures by cryoEM and a lot more by prediction using computational tools. However, understanding the working of a macromolecule still requires high-resolution snapshots of structures and this requires constant development of techniques. In a microscopy conference, we aim to showcase the developments in protein crystallography both by traditional synchrotron based as well as X-FEL mediated structure determination, which allow scientists to follow the macromolecules in action.

Session Chairs: Benoit Malleret & Wu Ya Jun

Invited Speakers:
Wu Ya Jun, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Talk title coming soon
Lee Shu Ying, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Tips and Tricks for biological sample preparation for Quantitative Confocal Microscopy

Abstract:
Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy (SEM/TEM) plays a crucial role in bio/life sciences, offering insight into nanoscale structures of biological specimens. However, effective SEM/TEM application in this domain depends heavily on tailored sample preparation methods. Challenges like preserving delicate biological structures and achieving adequate contrast are addressed through techniques such as chemical fixation, cryo-fixation, and ultramicrotomy. Cryo-TEM technologies, including cryo-electron tomography, have revolutionized imaging by allowing observation of hydrated samples at cryogenic temperatures. Despite advancements, achieving high-resolution imaging while maintaining sample integrity remains a challenge, driving ongoing research into innovative methods like correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) and in situ cryo-TEM.

Session Chairs: Trevor Hinwood, Murray Killingsworth & Tzipi Cohen Hyams

Invited Speakers:
Sonu Bhaskar, NSW Brain Clot Bank, Australia
Unpacking Ischemic Stroke: Insights from Morphological and Histochemical Analysis of Retrieved Brain Clots
Mate Biro, University of NSW Research, Australia
Mechano-chemotactic confinement by pancreatic cancer-associated fibroblasts sequesters cytotoxic T cells
Kevin Spring, Institute for Applied Medical Research, Australia
Visualisation and Clinical Utility of Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) for Cancer Management.

Abstract:
Pathology diagnostics and research investigations of disease pathogenesis in humans, animals and plant systems are heavily reliant on microscopy in all its forms and Australia has a long history of innovation with this technology. This session will highlight contributions that present new insights into disease  pathogenesis or new approaches to diagnosis, monitoring  of disease and prognosis. The elucidation of biological mechanisms underlying treatment interventions at the cellular, subcellular or molecular level will also be featured. Papers dealing with morphological ( light microscopy ), ultrastructural ( electron microscopy ), biomarker and cytochemical aspects of infection, inflammation, neoplasia, ageing, degeneration and drug or other interventions in humans, animals or plants are welcome.

BLS14
Session Chairs: Kelly Rogers & Sandra Fok

Invited Speakers:
Jean-Baptiste Sibarita, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, France
Imaging at different scales using single objective light-sheet microscopy
Itia Favre-Bulle, University of Melbourne, Australia
Development of a novel optogenetic control for zebrafish

Abstract:
Light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) utilizes a thin sheet of light to selectively illuminate and excite fluorophores within a specific focal plane of biological samples. This optical sectioning technique has revolutionized the observation of biological dynamics over time, offering three-dimensional visualization of entire samples with minimal photobleaching and phototoxicity, along with high spatiotemporal resolution. Over the past decade, major advancements in tissue clearing have significantly broadened the applications of LSFM. Various LSFM approaches have been developed to achieve higher spatial and temporal resolution for live imaging and high-throughput studies of whole samples, such as organoids, organs, and small organisms. LSFM continues to provide unique insights across diverse biomedical research areas, offering unprecedented views of cell migration, cell-to-cell interactions, host-pathogen interactions, and organismal development. This session will cover recent technological developments and research applications.

BLS16
Session chairs: Fred Meunier & Parnayan Syed

Invited Speakers:
Jean-Baptiste Sibarita, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, France
Talk title coming soon
Laurent Groc, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, France
Single molecule imaging of neuronal receptor interaction in health and disease

Abstract: Single-molecule localization microscopy techniques are emerging as vital tools to unravel the nanoscale world of living cells by understanding the spatiotemporal organization of protein clusters at the nano-meter scale. This symposium will focus on the latest advancements in spatial and temporal analysis using live imaging techniques, highlighting their application in elucidating complex cellular processes. Key topics will include strategies for analysing protein interactions and mobility, computational approaches that integrate multi-dimensional data and the application of these analysis pipelines.

Session Chairs: Elizabeth Hinde & Elvis Pandzic

Invited Speakers:
Michelle Digman, University of California Irvine, USA
Talk title coming soon
Senthil Arumugam, Monash University, Australia
Talk title coming soon

Abstract:
Single molecule imaging and spectroscopy are advanced techniques used in the field of molecular biology, chemistry, and materials science to study the dynamics of individual molecules with unprecedented detail. This session will focus on recent technological breakthroughs in quantification of single molecule behaviour and application of these methodologies to the study of biomolecular processes like protein-protein interaction, DNA replication, molecular assembly and structural change in biomolecules.

Session Chairs: Ryo Ishikawa, Matthew Weyland & Partha Ghosal

Invited Speakers:
Michael Moody, ANSTO, Australia
Talk title coming soon
Yongsoo Yang, KAIST, South Korea
Measuring 3D Polar Topology in Ferroelectric Nanoparticles via Atomic Electron Tomography

Abstract:
While much can be learnt about materials from twesent and discuss recent developments across the whole range of techniques and length scales in three dimensional imaging. From the optical, through X-ray’s to electrons to atom probes. Papers will be considered both from technique development and interesting applications of these techniques.

Session Chairs: Levi Tegg, Si-Young Choi & Masashi Watanabe

Invited Speakers:
Se-Ho Kim, Korea University, Korea
Talk title coming soon
Ryo Ishikawa, University of Tokyo, Japan
High spatiotemporal resolution STEM imaging

Abstract:
The atomic-resolution characterisation of a material can provide valuable insight into its mechanical or functional properties. This session will discuss the technique and application of atomic-scale resolution microscopy and microanalysis, including atom probe tomography (APT) and (scanning) transmission electron microscopy (TEM/STEM). A particular focus will be on linking microscopy with observed properties, in materials systems such as alloys, semiconductors, phase interfaces, energy materials, and functional materials. Advances in technique or instrumentation will also be accepted.

Session Chair: Amelia Liu & Daisuke Morikawa

Invited Speakers:
Kousuke Ooe, Monash University & Japan Fine Ceramics Center (JFCC), Australia/Japan
Low-dose STEM Data Acquisition at Atomic-scale via Optimum Bright-field Imaging
Kerstin Volz, Marburg University, Germany
Electric Fields at Semiconductor Interfaces by momentum-resolved 4D STEM: towards Correlation with Device Characteristics

Abstract:
Recent advances in scanning electron nanodiffraction and 4D-STEM using fast pixelated detectors have allowed access to the complete electron scattering distribution in position and momentum space. This technological leap has opened many new avenues for imaging both materials and life science specimens in electron microscopy. Many novel contrast formation mechanisms have been demonstrated from mapping different angular ranges. These show greatly enhanced sensitivity to structural symmetry and strain, electric and magnetic fields and chemical composition, giving rise to many new opportunities to solve problems in diverse materials such as semiconductors, solar-cells, nanoparticles, ferroelectrics, magnetics, alloys, ceramics, glasses, 2D/layered structures, biomaterials etc. This symposium will be devoted to the following topics:

● Advances and challenges in experiment/analysis of 4D-STEM using fast pixelated detectors

● Novel contrast modes from 4D-STEM giving insight into strain, composition, symmetry

● Differential phase contrast imaging for electromagnetic fields in materials

● 4D-STEM applications in the life sciences

● 4D-STEM tomography

Session Chairs: Dmirtri Golberg, Konstantin Firestein & Chao Zhang

Invited Speakers:
Shery Chang, University of New South Wales, Australia
Talk title coming soon
Daiming Tang, National Institute for Materials Sciences (NIMS), Japan
Chirality engineering for carbon nanotube electronics by in situ TEM

Abstract:
In situ transmission electron microscopy allows researchers to observe the effects of externally applied stimuli on diverse samples, both for materials science and biological fields, and in real time. It also provides insights into the intrinsic mechanisms, kinetics, and dynamic changes that uncover sample reactions to external stimuli and can be performed on multiple timescales. The controllable external stimulus to which the samples are exposed to can include temperature, electrical, magnetic, environmental and mechanical parameters. The results from these studies provide a robust method for scientists to perform quantitative measurements and characterisations of materials and enable the validation of theoretical models and predictions. The in situ TEM approach also provides the ability for integration with various spectroscopic and analytical methods for a multimodal analysis. This multifaceted approach allows for comprehensive data collection and sample characterisation into nanoscale dynamic processes and kinetics that may have previously been poorly understood. The ability of in-situ TEM to provide information on samples in their natural state and to observe dynamic processes in real time and at nanoscopic dimensions, is a key component in continued scientific and technological advancements.

Session Chair: Jennifer Macleod & Paul Pigram

Invited Speakers:
Anja Henss, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
From Surface to Interface: Advanced Characterization Techniques for Battery Research

Abstract:
Microscopy is a key enabler of surface science, which aims to elucidate the chemical and physical properties and processes at interfaces. Understanding how surface structure and properties are linked requires a multi-modal exploration of the morphological, crystallographic, chemical and physical attributes of a material, and can often comprise both experiment and theory. This session encompasses studies that aim to expand our understanding of surface science through fundamental exploration, as well as those that connect interface properties with applications, e.g., in catalysis, electrochemistry, sensors, electronics and more.

Session Chairs: Adam Hitchcock, Takuji Ohigashi & Nobuhiro Kosugi

Invited Speakers:
Chenghao Chuang, Temkang University, Taiwan
Nano-chemical mapping of cobalt nanoparticles on the graphene-related membranes
Hironori Nakao, KEK, Japan
Development of Microscopic Techniques Utilizing Resonant Soft X-ray Scattering in Photon Factory
Xiaopeng Li, Shenzhen University, China
X-ray spectroscopy of single atom using synchrotron X-ray scanning tunneling microscopy (SX-STM) and beyond
Tim A. Butcher, Max Born Institute, Germany
Imaging Ferroic Order in Nanomaterials with Soft X-ray Ptychography
Paul Dastoor, University of Newcastle, Australia
Printed Solar: Nanoparticle Dispersions as a Pathway to Solvent-Free Manufacturing
Sarah Harmer, Flinders University, Australia
Spectromicroscopy for Chemical and Electronic structure analysis of Transition Metal Chalcogenides

Abstract:
Microspectroscopy and spectromicroscopy using synchrotron based soft and hard X-rays are making important contributions in studies of biological, magnetic and energy materials. The symposium will feature presentations describing recent instrumentation and technique advances, particularly those using coherent diffraction (ptychography) imaging, along with high impact applications. The organizers invite contributions describing novel instrumentation, techniques and applications.

Session Chair: Marek Malac, Ken Harada & Misa Hayashida

Invited Speakers:
Ben McMoran, University of Oregon, USA
Methods and Applications for Sculpted Electrons
Makoto Kuwahara, Nagoya University, Japan
Interference of Polarized Electron Beam in Transmission Electron Microscopy
Hiroshi Okamoto, Akita Prefecture University, Japan
Quantum mechanical manipulation" of electron waves: A theoretical perspective

Abstract:
Electron wave can be manipulated, for example by a phase plate, or laser field within an optical cavity or a metallic object. Generation of electron beams with large orbital angular momentum have been demonstrated. New methods utilizing lasers are being developed to manipulate electron wave one electron at a time. The symposium encourages contributions investigating physics of electron wave manipulation by variety of means, and on classical and quantum aspects of electron-photon interactions.

Session Chair: Hiroshi Okamoto, Yukinori Nagatani (KEK)

Invited Speakers:
Yoshihiro Arai, Scientia Concors/Terabasee/JEOL, Japan
Valve-integrated compact electron gun chamber
Marek Malac, National Research Council Canada, Canada
Talk title coming soon

Abstract:
The Open Source Way may enable the broader scientific community to have an access to, and/or make contributions to, increasingly complex and costly scientific instruments. Open source software/hardware allows scientists to build an otherwise expensive microscope; it would also allow scientists to develop a new instrument using modular components that have fully disclosed designs. We seek contributions, not only from people who already work on open source software and hardware in optical, electron, and other forms of microscopy; but also from those working on Do-It-Yourself development in microscopy in general. Discussions of legal issues, such as the choice of license and possible patent-related issues, are also within the scope.

Session Chairs: Scott Findlay, Chrs Boothroyd, Rong Yu & Sang Ho Oh

Invited Speakers:
Kayla Nguyen, University of Oregon, USA
Breaking Resolution Limits with Ptychography using Topological Materials
Satoko Toyama, University of Tokyo, Japan
Real-space observation of electric fields and charge densities at crystal interfaces using advanced differential phase contrast STEM
Zhen Chen, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Imaging point defects in bulk crystals using multislice electron ptychography
Daniel Wolf, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research, Germany
Nanoscale Mapping of Magnetic Textures in 2D and 3D Using Electron Holography and Electron Tomography

Abstract:
Advances in both detector technology and data analysis algorithms have spurred the development of a wide range of techniques for reconstructing the phase of scattered wavefields or of the sample transmission function, in both two- and three-dimensions. This session seeks to showcase recent progress in the many methods of phase retrieval, broadly defined. This includes, but is not limited to, ptychography, holography and differential phase contrast, and encompasses advances in experiment, computation, theory, and application to materials characterisation.