Live imaging using deeply penetrating microscopy of cells and on the tissue as well as in the organisms provides valuable information to understand actual biological phenomenon at the cellular and molecular levels in the field of immunology, neuroscience, and physiology. Especially intravital imaging of various organs in live animal opens new era to elucidate novel mechanism and morphology of cell-to-cell intraction during pathologic process. This symposium will bring the leading scientists specialized in live imaging tools in molecular and cellular immunology and neuroscience. The speakers in the symposium will provide up-to-date findings to make step forward for novel therapeutic strategy of varius diseases using live imaging techques.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Two-photon intraivital imaging of various organs of live animal
• Quantitative analysis to explore the patterns of morphology and motility of leukocytes and pathogens during immune response
• Strategies that combine the data from intravital imaging and the other biological research methods to elucidate biological events at cellular and molecular levels

Cryo-EM has revolutionized structural biology, allowing researchers to study the structure and function of proteins and other macromolecules at an unprecedented level of detail. It has been used to determine the structure of a wide range of biological molecules, including proteins involved in DNA replication and repair, bacterial flagella, and viruses such as Zika and HIV. Cryo-EM has also been instrumental in the development of new drugs and therapeutics, as understanding the structure of a molecule can provide insights into its function and potential vulnerabilities that can be targeted with drugs.
Although cryo-EM has become a powerful tool for determining the structure of biological molecules, there are still important proteins that present challenges for this technique. Some of the main factors include, size, flexibility, heterogeneity, low abundance. Despite these challenges, cryo-EM is still an extremely valuable tool for studying the structure of biological molecules, and researchers continue to develop new techniques and methods to overcome these challenges and push the boundaries of what is possible with this technique. In this session, we will invite several scientists and discuss about methods to overcome these problems and get valuable information how biological molecules operates.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Structures of complex membrane proteins
• Structures of proteins targeted for drug discovery
• Structures of small and challenging proteins
• Structures of complex protein assemblies

Quantitative imaging of dynamic biological processes has now become mission critical in the molecular and cell biology. Recent research has repeatedly demonstrated that a combination of state-of-the-art optical imaging technology and advanced image analysis are crucial for the understanding of the numerous and complex cellular processes underpinning human health and disease. Novel developments such as advanced super-resolution imaging is currently transforming how the function and behaviour of cells can be observed in a minimally invasive manner while unfolding within their tissue micro-environment across scales of space and time, shaping thus the expectation that these technologies will replace conventional imaging technologies. Crucially, the analysis and interpretation of these new imaging modalities require advanced image analysis expertise. This symposium will bring together leaders in both super-resolution microscopy and appropriate quantitative analysis techniques.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Super-resolution live biological imaging technologies across scales in 2D, 3D and 4D
• Quantitative super-resolution analysis technologies
• Quantitative analysis techniques for super-resolution microscopy methodologies
• Quantitative analysis and correlation of multi-scale microscopy datasets

Structure determination of large and rigid biological macromolecules using single-particle electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) has been accelerating at ever increasing speeds and can now be considered routine. The cryo-EM analysis of small and more flexible molecules with conformational and/or compositional heterogeneity still poses a challenge to the structure determination workflow. Therefore, methods in improving all aspects of the structure determination pipeline from sample preparation up to validation are still required to make a larger repertoire of isolated molecules amenable to the cryo-EM method. High-resolution electron imaging of lamellae generated from vitrified biological cells is also becoming established. While electron cryogenic tomography (cryo-ET) is often employed to image the cellular and subcellular structures at intermediate resolution, it can now resolve near-atomic resolution structures of large macromolecular complexes in situ in the genuine native environment.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Cryo-EM of molecules of high complexity
• Methods of the structure determination pipeline: from sample preparation to structure validation
• In situ structural cell biology at intermediate resolution
• Near-atomic resolution imaging in situ

◈ Co-organized by Institute for Basic Science/Pioneer Research Center for Biomolecular and Cellular Structure

Membrane trafficking is one of the essential processes in the cells. Since the membrane compartment is highly dynamic in the live condition of the cell, imaging with various microscopic techniques is a critical tool for understanding cellular processes such as intracellular trafficking from one compartment to the others, endocytosis, exocytosis, molecular motility, cellular signaling, autophagy, and so on. In this symposium, we will have various of the latest studies regarding cellular transport and its dynamics using state-of-art imaging techniques and tools. The speakers will provide up-to-date discoveries of cellular dynamics and transport as well as cutting-edge tools and techniques.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Molecular trafficking in the health and disease model
• Membrane dynamics and intracellular trafficking for cellular signaling
• Contemporary microscopic technique for cellular transport and dynamics

The Symposium will address current methods in targeting marker molecules in biomedical photon and electron microscopy. From macromolecular assemblies and organells to cells and tissues, identification and localization of specific molecules of interest plays a crucial role in biology and medicine. The contributions will cover various aspects of sample preparation, antigen preservation and retrieval, cryo-methods, novel microscopy and mass-spectrocopy imaging approaches, quantitative detection approaches, and evaluation of the results.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Novel methods in sample preparation for imaging specific molecules
• Cryo-electron microscopy techniques for visualizing molecules
• Advances in immunofluorescence and antigen retrieval
• Multi-modal approaches to visualize and quantify specific molecules using advanced microscopy techniques
• Application of mass spectrometry imaging for molecular identification and localization in cells and tissues
• Quantitative analysis of molecular distribution and localization using various microscopy techniques
• Exploration of the molecular architecture of cellular organelles using cutting-edge microscopy techniques
• Development of new technologies and techniques to enhance molecular imaging in biomedical research

In pathology, genes and immunity have made significant contributions to elucidating the mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of disease over the past 20 years. It now seems necessary to play a role for pathology in the physiochemical localization of these genes and proteins. In this session, it is introduced that microscopes such as light, fluorescence, and virtual microscopes as well as electron microscope are essential for diagnosis of diseases of various organs and development of biomarkers. Additionally, this session introduces future new insights into the understanding of disease using cryo-electron microscopy.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Ultrastructural pathology
• Nephropathology
• Dermatopathology
• Surgical pathology
• CryoEM in disease

Correlation of multiple imaging modalities provides a powerful capability to overcome limitations and to utilize specific strengths of a wide range of imaging approaches. Among others this allows to obtain structural and ultrastructural insights into dynamic processes and/or large-scale features of complex biological systems. This symposium aims to highlight technical innovations in sample preparation for room temperature and cryogenic workflows for correlative microscopy as well as instrument development. These will be discussed along with applications of correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) and other multimodal microscopy technologies. The symposium will also address software advances in data management, image analysis and artificial intelligence-based pipelines.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Correlative microscopy instrumentation and workflows
• Sample preparation and handling for correlative microscopy
• Multiplex microscopy application in life science research
• Multi-modal imaging data analysis pipelines

Pathogens such as bacteria and viruses infect their hosts, amplifying themselves and using a variety of mechanisms to escape the hosts’ defense systems. Ultrastructural and structural analysis using various techniques such as conventional EM, cryo-EM, CLEM, electron tomography, super-resolution microscopy etc. advances our understanding of the mechanisms by host interactions can be pathogenic at different scales from the atomic, molecular, macromolecular and cellular, to multicellular levels. This symposium will have structural/ultrastructural biologists in microbiology fields present data seeking to visually understand pathogens’ life cycles in hosts at different scales.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Ultrastructural and structural analysis of bacterial infection and replication
• Ultrastructural and structural analysis of viral infection and replication
• Visualization of pathogen-host interaction and life cycle of pathogens in hosts

Modern biology has seen an astonishing increase in knowledge, largely through new methodologies in microscopy, molecular biology, genomics and their combinations. Invertebrate model systems have contributed comprehensively to this success based on multiple unique organismal features, such as rapid generation time, easy culture and cheap husbandry. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the round worm Caenorhabditis elegans have dominated the research field of basic biology of invertebrates, but recent technical advances have allowed additional organisms to join forces. This includes other insects and nematodes as well as species in other phyla neglected in modern biology. Broadened knowledge will contribute to a better understanding of biodiversity and a bridging of the knowledge gap concerning parasitism and other pathogens attacking human health. Our symposium will highlight recent advances in invertebrate biology and will also touch on the importance of taxonomy as a guiding principle towards a comprehensive understanding of the natural world.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• New biological findings using microscopic tools in flies and nematodes
• Recent advances in invertebrate biology using non-model organisms
• Biodiversity and evolution revealed by microscopic studies
• Biology of parasites and pathogens using microscopic tools

Embryology is the study of the formation and development of an embryo and fetus. Developmental biology is the study of the processes by which animals grow and develop and investigates how a variety of interacting processes generate the heterogeneous shapes, sizes, and structural features of organisms. This includes the genetic control of cell growth and differentiation to form tissues, organs, and whole organisms, as well as the biology of regeneration, metamorphosis, growth and differentiation of stem cells in the adult organism. New imaging technologies have revolutionized research in this field and offer the ability to visualize the dynamic form and function of molecules, cells, tissues, and whole embryos throughout the entire developmental process. In this session, we will hear from researchers carrying out fundamental science studies using microscopy which leads to improvements in embryology and developmental biology.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Morphogenesis, pattern formation, cell fate specification and differentiation
• Imaging embryonic development and organogenesis
• Stem cells in tissue homeostasis and regeneration
• Genetic models of disease

In the era of global climate change, roles of plants and microorganisms are becoming more and more important to explore new potential bioenergy resources and to find a solution to this problem based on its ecosystem diversity and biodiversity. Visualization of 2D and 3D structures of plants and fungi including their environmental responses form the foundation of researches related these issues. This symposium will highlight the current views of cells, tissues and organs of plants and microorganisms, as obtained using various modern microscopy techniques and specimen preparation protocols.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• 2D, 3D or 4D visualization of plants and fungi using multi-scale imaging techniques at various resolutions (optical, X-ray, and electron microscopy; live imaging; tomography; cryo; etc)
• Quantitative and qualitative morphological approaches to analyze environmental responses of plants and fungi including interactions between them
• Strategies interconnecting multiple imaging methods such as correlative microscopy
• Challenges to improve existing and/or develop new imaging techniquesas well as sample preparation methods

Microscopy has become an essential tool for understanding the structure and function of the brain. With imaging techniques capable of visualizing neural activity in living, behaving animals and the nanoscale connectivity of brain tissue, researchers are now able to tackle some of the most pressing questions in neuroscience. In this symposium, we will discuss the latest advances in microscopy and their application in three key areas: understanding synaptic homeostasis in healthy and diseased brains with light and electron resolution microscopy, using Ca imaging in awake-behaving animals to elucidate the role of neural circuits, and exploring the development of new microscopic tools and biophysics to better understand the brain. Our speakers will present cutting-edge research and provide new insights into the workings of the brain."

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Synaptic homeostasis in healthy and diseased brains with light and electron resolution microscopy
• The role of neural circuits by Ca imaging in awake-behaving animals
• Microscopic tool development and biophysics for better understanding of brains

We invite research papers that address the latest developments and advancements in new microscopy techniques for the study of biological systems. This symposium aims to explore the potential of new imaging technologies, including super-resolution microscopy, cryo-electron microscopy, light-sheet microscopy, mesoscopy, and label-free imaging, among others, for providing unprecedented insights into the structures, functions, and dynamics of biological systems at various scales. We encourage submissions that showcase interdisciplinary collaborations between researchers from different fields and that highlight the innovative application of microscopy in addressing important biological questions. Join us to share and discuss the latest discoveries in the field.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Super-resolution microscopy
• Light sheet microscopy
• Cryo-electron microscopy
• Mesoscopy
• Label-free imaging techniques
• Advanced methods in bioimage analysis

In recent years, biomedical applications of nanoparticles have been rapidly advancing. Nanoparticles can be classified into exogenous nanoparticles such as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and endogenous nanoparticles such as extracellular vesicles (EVs). mRNA delivery by LNPs has enabled the development of COVID-19 vaccines, which are expected to be applied to various diseases including cancer. On the other hand, EVs including exosomes, which carry RNA and proteins from secretory cells, are expected to have immunoregulatory and regenerative functions, and various clinical trials are underway. Therefore, this symposium will compare and discuss the current status of medical applications of these nanoparticles.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Extrinsic nanoparticles (ex. LNPs) and intrinsic nanoparticles (ex. EVs)
• Biomedical applications of nanoparticles
• Microscopic analyses of nanoparticles
• Nanoparticle engineering
• Biosafety and biodistribution of nanoparticles

Over the last two decades, we have witnessed a paradigm change in the way we understand structure-function relationship of diverse classes of nanomaterials by development of advanced TEM. The spatial and energy resolutions have been significantly improved. Aberration-corrected TEM has enabled a large variety of in-situ experiments, multi-modal imagings, and multi-dimensional data acquisitions with high spatial resolution. For example, in-situ imaging and spectroscopy techniques, both in gas and liquid phase, have emerged as primary tools for characterizing the dynamics of nanomaterials, that can not be fully understood via ex-situ bulk measurements. The exploitation of direct electron detectors in combination with novel data analytics and machine learning is now opening the possibilities for studying beam-sensitive nanomaterials.
In this symposium, we will cover a wide range of topics where the use of advanced electron microscopy, such as aberration-corrected TEM, cryo-TEM, in-situ TEM, 4D-STEM, monochromated spectroscopies, and multi-dimensional imaging in a combination of machine learning, elevates fundamental understanding of structure-function relationship of nanomaterials. Material systems focused in the symposium include, but not limited to, nanoparticles, energy-conversion nanomaterials, energy-storage nanomaterials, and soft-nanomaterials.
The goal of this symposium is to bring researchers together from the microscopy community and nanomaterials society to seek for an opportunity to accelerate materials discovery.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• High- spatial/energy resolution and multi-dimensional imaging for nanomaterials
• In situ TEM for structural evolution of nanomaterial
• Development of advanced TEM methodologies for unprecedented characterization
• Nanoparticles, energy-conversion/energy-storage nanomaterials, and soft-nanomaterials

The structural characterization of carbon-based nanomaterials and 2D materials calls for electron microscopy imaging and spectroscopy at low primary voltages to avoid or minimize knock-on damages to the pristine structures. Pushing the spatial resolution to the atomic-scale and the sensitivity to the single-atom level has thus become one of the frontiers of electron microscopy. Thanks to the continuous development of aberration correction, it is now feasible to achieve atomic-resolution with even 15 keV electrons. The recent development of monochromators with ultra-high energy resolution has also opened up new opportunities to explore local spectroscopic properties of these materials at the nanometer-scale or even atomic-scale. This symposium will bring together experts working on electron microscopy studies of carbon-based nanomaterials and 2D materials, with focuses on low-voltage imaging, high resolution spectroscopy, in-situ microscopy and new microscopy techniques suitable for the studies of beam-sensitive materials.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Quantitative atomic-scale characterization of carbon-based materials and 2D materials
• Spectroscopy study of carbon-based materials and 2D materials
• Defect physics of carbon-based materials and 2D materials
• Novel imaging techniques and AI-assisted image analysis
• In situ microscopy and spectroscopy

Surfaces and thin films, which are sometimes the same, sometimes different, lie at the heat of vast science, from the flexoelectric bending in the human ear to monolayer superconductors and oxide or other semiconducting devices. Microscopy has always played a key role in both measuring atomic scale detail and connecting it to how they matter for hard or soft science, pure or technology. This symposium will cover different aspects of these two, for instance:

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Profile imaging to understand the devil of heterogeneous catalysis
• Playing God with thin films, combining multiple microscopies
• Is human intelligence worse than machine in understanding thin films?
• Can we apply our understanding and tools of inorganic surfaces to soft and biological materials?
• Are all aberration-corrected microscopes equal, or do some just drill holes in thin films?

Novel advanced-engineering metallic materials are being developed in response to the lasting demand from the industry for higher strength, less weight, and improved fatigue and corrosion resistance. It has already become clear long ago that a significant breakthrough in engineering material research and development is hardly possible without a detailed knowledge of the structure-property relationship. Recent advances in spatial and chemical resolution of electron microscopy techniques allows for a more detailed investigation into the structure-property relationships in metals and alloys, including e.g. highly complex advanced engineering materials, multiphase nanostructured steels, materials nanostructured by severe plastic deformations, materials hardened by small precipitates responsible for strength improvement etc. This symposium will encompass applications of modern microscopic methods to the investigation of microstructure in metallic alloys.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Crystallography of alloys and compounds
• Phase transformations in alloys
• Qualitative/quantitative structure-property relationships in alloys
• Advanced 3D/quantitative techniques for microstructure analysis

This symposium focuses on electron microscopy of novel ceramics and oxides to understand fundamental science related to their important properties for novel applications. Recent development in electron microscopy has enabled the direct observation of atomic scale structure and defects in materials, and establishing the precise relationship between the atomic scale structure and properties of novel materials has become an essential effort to understand and control the macroscopic properties in materials science and condensed matter research. A wide range of ceramics and oxides will be covered in this symposium, including (but not limited to) nanoscale oxides for catalytic, sensing, and energy applications, wide bandgap oxide semiconductors for electronic applications, and novel oxide interfaces for realizing new properties that are otherwise unobtainable. New approaches in atomic scale imaging and spectroscopy, computational data analysis methods, as well as in situ measurement of nanoscale dynamics of ceramics and oxides will also be discussed.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• New imaging/spectroscopic methods to visualize atomic scale defects in oxides and ceramics.
• Structure-property relationships at the atomic-to-nanoscale that directly relate to macroscopic phenomena.
• Statistically reliable and computationally-enabled new data analysis methods.
• In situ real-time measurement of structure and dynamics of novel oxides and ceramics.

Understanding the nanostructure of polymers and other soft matter is essential for the development of next-generation functional materials ranging from energy-capture to optoelectronics to biomaterials with countless applications across the physical and life sciences. Electron microscopy has unique potential to probe molecular-level organization, nanostructures, phase separation and interfaces in these soft materials and give insight into their formation, properties and function. Recently, there have been technological advances such as new holders, electron phase plates, and sensitive and high-speed direct electron detection cameras. These have driven great progress in the areas of in-situ and spatiotemporal TEM imaging, cryogenic-TEM, 3D reconstruction by tomography, 4D STEM and ultralow dose imaging with enhanced contrast. Coupled to these developments, new computational and algorithmic approaches have given rise to new opportunities for retrieving quantitative and atomic-level information about the pristine structure of electron-dose sensitive and challenging materials. This symposium will bring together leaders in the development of these new electron microscopy approaches (spatiotemporal, in-situ and cryo-TEM imaging, 4D STEM, tomography) to discuss recent progress and outstanding challenges for a broad range of important soft material research areas such as: polymers, liquid crystals, colloids, gels, ionic liquids, metal-organic frameworks, biological materials, hybrid-materials etc. It will be an opportunity for comprehensive understanding and discussion of scientific achievements and related cutting-edge technologies toward the high-resolution imaging of soft materials at the nanoscale and atomic-level.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Nanoscale and molecular-level structure including orientation, packing, morphology and interfaces in soft materials in solid and solution-state
• Stimuli-responsive soft materials: self-assembly behaviors in response to salt, pH, temperature, light, redox, electrical/magnetic fields, and mechanical stress
• Cryogenic electron microscopy, liquid phase electron microscopy, in-situ electron microscopy for polymers, biomolecules, and colloids
• 4D STEM, phase plates, low electron dose strategies, 3D reconstruction for soft materials
• Advanced algorithmic and computational data analysis approaches for soft matter

The global demand for semiconductors has exploded in recent years due to the use of Integrated circuit chips in an ever-expanding range of products from computers and smartphones to automobiles, televisions, home appliances, and LED light bulbs. Because present device critical dimensions are nano-meter sized and devices have evolved from 2D to 3D structures, microscopic imaging and analytical techniques have become indispensable to semiconductor manufacturing, process control, failure analysis and device research and development. Semiconductor microscopy has a broad application space from fast turn-around time routine SEM or STEM imaging for process control metrology to the use of advanced STEM analytical techniques to characterize stress, composition, and electronic bonding at interfaces. This symposium will highlight the use of microscopy in any form (optical, SEM, FIB, TEM/STEM, scanning probe, atom probe, etc.) and analytical techniques (EDS, EELS, diffraction, GPA, 4D STEM, etc.) to characterize and advance learning of semiconductor materials and devices.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Automation of microscopy techniques, tooling, and dataset processing to improve analysis turn-around time and efficiency
• Strain mapping of devices using microscopy methods such as nanobeam diffraction, geometric phase analysis, dark field electron holography, 4D STEM, etc.
• Microscopy used to understand and solve processing problems or device failures
• Electron tomography to characterize 3D device structures such as FINFETs and nanosheets
• Atomic mapping of semiconductors interfaces

Phase transformation is closely related to materials' various properties, including mechanical and corrosion properties. The diffusional, displacive, and deformation-induced phase transformation of the matrix and precipitate controls the mechanical properties. On the other hand, oxidation and passivation behaviors, controlling corrosion properties, are dynamic phase transformation phenomena on the metallic surface under gaseous or liquid environments. Current advances in microscopic technique enable us to understand the veiled phenomena related to these phase transformations. This symposium will open for the mutual communication of cutting-edge research on phase transformation and corrosion behavior using microscopic techniques.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Diffusional Phase Transformation in Inorganic Materials
• Displacive(Martensitic) Phase Transformation in Inorganic Materials
• Deformation-induced Phase Transformation in Inorganic Materials
• Corrosion and Passivation Analyses in Metallic Surface
• Oxidation Behavior in Metallic Surface

Magnetic and ferroelectric materials are of great interest for both fundamental scientific research and practical applications. Their functional properties are related directly to their atomic and electronic structures. This symposium will bring together scientists from different disciplines to exchange ideas about the development and application of electron microscopy and related experimental techniques to study the structural, compositional, electronic and functional properties of magnetic and ferroelectric materials and working nanoscale devices. Quantitative, in situ and time-resolved measurements and comparisons with theoretical predictions are particularly encouraged.

[ Topic of Interest ]
* This symposium covers topics that include (but are not limited to):
• Structural, compositional and electronic properties of surfaces, interfaces and defects in magnetic and ferroelectric materials
• Static and dynamic probing of domains and domain walls and their topological behavior
• In situ measurements in the presence of external stimulai
• Direct measurements of local ferroic structure and properties
• Correlative techniques for studying magnetic and ferroelectric materials
• Comparisons of experimental measurements with theoretical predictions

Electron microscopy characterization of nanoparticles, polymers, biological materials, biominerals in liquids and their dynamics has become an emerging field of research. It has overcome many technical challenges in electron microscopy; and bridges unique scientific problems in materials science, inorganic chemistry and other disciplines to those in organic chemistry. By directly visualizing and examining the structure and dynamics of materials in liquids at the nanoscale or atomic/molecular level, it opens the opportunity to address scientific problems on a wide range of topics, including nucleation, growth, self-assembly of materials; chemical reactions and transformations of materials in energy applications; soft and biological materials formation and multiscale interactions. This symposium brings together researchers in different areas of research with the common tools of liquid phase electron microscopy and other advanced microscopy alongside cutting edge quantitative analysis techniques; it provides a forum to discuss their recent scientific achievements and technical advances as well as on-going efforts.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Self-assembly of soft materials and nanoparticles through controlling of ligands interactions, solvent drying effects, and interfaces.
• Nucleation and growth of biological materials, polymers, MOF, hybrid organic-inorganic materials, nanoparticles, including role of biomolecules in biomineralization.
• Chemical reactions and transformations, including electrochemical catalytic fuel conversion, dynamic phenomena at solid-liquid interfaces.
• Liquid phase Electron microscopy & analysis of polymers, DNAs, biomaterials, liquids, electron beam sensitive materials.
• Dynamic and multiscale imaging with electron microscopy and scanning probe microscopy; advanced microscopy imaging and analysis methods.

Many of the important properties of functional materials used for energy conversion and energy storage are controlled by the details of their microscopic structure from atomic arrangements and bonding to morphology and phase stability at nanoscale up to macroscale. Such materials include novel electrodes and electrolytes in batteries and supercapacitors; materials for photovoltaics like perovskites, organic blends and inorganic semiconductors; materials for catalysis, for example for water splitting, which may comprise metal alloy nanoparticles, complex oxides and metal-organic frameworks, as well as electrodes and membranes for fuel cells. Common challenges across studying these materials are 1) that they often contain light elements leading to low contrast, are 2) generally sensitive to irradiation damage in the microscope, 3) may degrade on exposure to air and 4) are often difficult to study in-situ/in-operando. This session will explore the latest results studying energy materials using imaging, diffraction and spectroscopic methods. Abstracts are encouraged for both new results and the development of techniques, including in-situ and in-operando methods that can allow further information to be extracted for unravelling structure-process-performance relationships of these materials.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Microscopic imaging, diffraction and spectroscopy of energy storage and conversion materials
• In-situ and in-operando methods
• Advanced computational methods for imaging and spectroscopy of energy materials
• Work-flows for sample preparation and correlative microscopy studies of energy materials
• Techniques for 3D microscopy analysis of energy-related materials
• Methods for detecting light elements in energy materials
• Low-dose techniques for minimizing irradiation damage in energy materials

Electron Optics or, more general speaking, charged particle Optics is the core technology required for any type of instruments of which charged particles are used to image, analyze, modify or measure any property of the object one is interested on. Hence, any development for an improvement of performance of such an instrument either for imaging or analytical methods or for modifications of the object needs theoretical and experimental expertise of charged particle systems. In addition, the dimension of such charged particle optics devices can be from µm range up to m range but the physics behind is always the same. This symposium will be dedicated to developments of charged particle instruments for all sort of applications from investigations of surfaces to basic research at the atomic level as well as from the measurement of various properties to the visualization of chemical processes. However, the instrumentation in general is the main topic and not purely applications of an instrument.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• charged particle optics components for an improvement of lateral, energy or temporal resolution
• new types of objective lenses for TEM, SEM (such as ultrafast EM) or FIB
• new electron or ion sources for higher brightness or lower energy width
• new detectors for TEM and STEM for faster and more reliable image acquisitions
• software developments for the simulation and the automatic control of instruments as well as for an automatic workflow and optical system optimization

Electron microscopy is the keystone tool for strucutral and functional studies and recently manipulation of materials on atomic level. Despite the long history of the field, the basic principles of EM operation did not change - in all cases human operator performs the set of tuning, imaging and spectroscopic measurements following the combination of domain knowledge and human intuition. In this symposium, we highlight recent developments in EM enabled by the combination of machine learning, edge computing, and microscope operation hyperlanguage. This includes new opportunities ranging from post-aquisition and real time data analytic to feedback and fully automated and human- and theory- in the loop workflow design. The specific direction include but are not limited to real time data segmentation and experiments with defined policies, Bayesian Optimization based discovery, reinforcement learning, and applications of ML for enabling atomic fabrication.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Automated and autonomous experiment in electron microscopy
• Real time data analytics in STEM imaging and spectroscopy
• Workflow design: from edge to theory in the loop
• Electron beam atomic fabrication
• STEM and big data

※ AS-3. [Methods and Workflows for Correlative Microscopy] was combined with LS-9.

Rapidly-improving technology has dramatically improved the utility of Cryo-EM, and improvements are still being made both for “single-particle” cryo-tomography applications. For tomography, FIB preparation and sub-tomogram averaging are popular. Amelioration of beam-indued motion by improved specimen supports and imaging is very important. Improved cameras and software has also benefitted Micro-ED. Ever-more-sophisticated software is applied to improve fidelity and resolution. Choice of EM and beam energy according to the desired (or needed) resolution has become of interest.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Direct-detection cameras
• Micro-ED
• TEM choices and optimal accelerating voltages
• Improved support films and specimen preparation
• Tomography: FIB preparation and sub-tomogram averaging
• Software improvements for cryo-EM

In situ and environmental microscopy techniques have been offering an unprecedented experiment platform for the physics, chemistry, materials science, biology and other disciplines. Owing to the development of advanced aberration correctors, various functional transmission electron microscopy holders, and ultra-sensitive energy/image detectors, the extraordinary electronic, optical, mechanical and chemical behaviors in realistic conditions could be revealed with multiple scales and high temporal and spatial resolutions which have never been realized before. Emerging technologies related to the fine control and manipulation of the external field, the proper interpretation and handling of big data, and capable methods with irradiation condition have thrived on multidiscipline researches. This symposium brings scientists to contribute their leading results covering the scope outlined above which shows the depth and breadth of the current progress in the field of in-situ and environmental microscopy.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• In Situ Liquid Environment microscopic Technique and applications in Chemistry and functional materials
• In Situ atmosphere microscopic Technique and applications in Materials Science
• In Situ Mechanical microscopic Technique applications in Metals, alloys and Ceramics
• In Situ Heating microscopic Technique applications
• In situ Magnetic microscopic Technique and applications in functional materials
• In situ electrical bias microscopic Technique in Semiconductors and Energy materials
• In situ microscopic cryo-technique and applications in Physics and Life science
• In situ complex multiple field microscopic technique and applications
• Ultrafast in-situ microscopic technique and transient microscopy

This session focuses on a wide range of techniques that collect more than one data point per image pixel on the (predominantly) elastic scattering within the sample. While holographic techniques (off-axis holography, focal series reconstruction, differential phase contrast, etc.) produce already two data points (a complex number) per image pixel, diffraction mapping (4DSTEM, SNBED, scanning PED; etc ..) produces even more data and may be used to identify the local crystal phase and orientation, strain, etc. or be reduced by various numerical procedures to a holographic signal again. Abstracts focusing on any of the above techniques, techniques related to those, but also electron diffraction carried out for a single location on the sample, are welcome to be submitted to this session.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Holographic EM techniques (e.g. off-axis holography, inline holography)
• Holographic STEM techniques (e.g. DPC, 4DSTEM), Quantitative electron diffraction (e.g. phase/orientation identification, retrieval of structure factors, etc)

This symposium will focus on the quantitative three-dimensional characterization of materials using different electron and x-ray microscopy techniques and advanced 3D reconstruction algorithms. Topics will include high-resolution electron tomography as well as the combination of tomography with techniques including EDX, EELS, holography, coherent diffractive imaging and ptychography.The focus will be on the development and application of experimental as well as computational techniques that enable a quantitative interpretation of 3D data sets. Moreover, the symposium will highlight new developments including e.g. fast tomography approaches, multimodal techniques, the combination of tomography with in situ techniques and atomic electron tomography of radiation-sensitive materials.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• 3D analysis of atomic structure, chemical composition, bonding
• high-resolution 3D imaging
• 3D imaging at in situ environments
• Low-dose atomic electron tomography of radiatiation sensitive materials
• X-ray nanotomography

The real samples, not ideal samples, often present the challenges when applying advanced electron microscopic metrology; wherein the complexities of structure, composition, and morphology in the real samples often limited the meaningful information in microscopic analysis. To this end, the materials scientists and microscopists need to develop the creative solutions for sample preparation, data acquisition, and analysis, providing meaningful results. This symposium covers on (i) the new metrological science including the sample preparation and nanodevice as well as (ii) the new computational science such as data acquisition and analytical software to extract physical and chemical principles in materials phenomena.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Model defect and interface studies using TEM/STEM
• Machine learning, simulation, and calculation combined for microscopic analysis
• Fabrication of the model samples for microscopic analysis
• Developement of the new technical methods for model experiment

[ Topic of Interest ]
• New SEM and FIB hardware developments, (higher resolution, lower voltage, new detectors, combination with LASER beams, 3D methods)

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) has becomes an essential tool for studying and understanding local phenomena in functional nanomaterials. This is due to the various functional microscopy and spectroscopy modes available for probing material properties such as electrical, ferroelectric, magnetic, mechanical, electromechanical, electrochemical, and photovoltaic responses. Further, there have been significant efforts to explore various material properties in multiple applications including energy, information technology and biological systems. In addition to the exploration of material properties, new analytical approaches including machine learning, data processing, high spatial resolution and different environmental systems have been developed. This symposium aims to assemble leading SPM researchers who are applying these advanced SPM techniques to explore material properties. Hence, this symposium will offer a particular emphasis on applications of advanced SPM solutions for functional nanomaterials.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Functional probing of electrical, ferroelectric, magnetic, mechanical, electromechanical, electrochemical, and photovoltaic properties, as well as fundamental quantum and spin states on atomic scales
• Nanoscale probing of materials for energy applications (battery, solar cell, and fuel cell, etc), information technology (neuromorphic applications and ferroelectric FET/RAM, etc), and biological systems
• Machine learning for SPM data-sets, analysis of large SPM data sets, multi-dimensional data processing, theory, and modeling
• Frontiers of SPM: enviromental SPM, super-resolution SPM, high speed SPM, and combining SPM with other microscopies and spectroscopies, etc

◈ Symposium Sponsorship
Park Systems Korea | Oxford Instruments NanoTechnology Tools Limited

Recent advances in electron spectroscopy have made it possible to achieve sub-10 meV spectral resolutions, energy ranges down to the far infrared, while maintaining the very high spectral resolutions of electron microscopy.

In this context, this symposium will focus on the development of innovative electron- and possibly photon-based spectroscopies that allow the study of new properties of materials, or that allow to go beyond the current frontiers in terms of measured physical signals or signal-to-noise ratio. This includes the development or advanced use of monochromatic EELS, cathodoluminescence or electron energy gain spectroscopy in the infrared/vis/UV range, phase shaping or polarisation techniques, event-based techniques and electron/photon coincidence. Applications to materials whose properties are determined by low-energy excitations (phonons, excitons, polaritons, plasmons...) are encouraged.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Electron based spectral imaging optionnaly involving light from the infra-red to the X-rays range
• Event-based and coincident spectroscopies with times scale >100ps
• Novel spectroscopies for characterization of nanophotonic devices
• Phase-dependent electron spectroscopies

Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and spectral imaging (SI) techniques have substantially evolved with the aid of detector and monochromator technology and related advancements. Furthermore, including the developments of electron scattering simulations, materials modeling, data processing, and machine learning-assisted interpretations, the analytical capability of core-loss EELS has been multiplied in solving material problems in multiple aspects. The benefits from the EELS progress enable the characterizations of structural, elemental, and electronic properties of nanomaterials at multiple dimensions. In this symposium, we welcome contributions broadly dealing with topics of such utilizations and advancements of the EELS and SI techniques for characterizations from nanomaterials to energy-related materials. Contributions especially pushing the frontier of science by combining new experimental design and instrumentation with advanced post-processing and/or machine learning approach are well suited to our symposium aiming to proliferate scientific discussions regarding recent progress in EELS.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Advanced EELS characterizations of nanomaterials and energy-related materials
• Analytical and imaging improvements with a monochromator and other instrumental advancements.
• Advances in data processing and analysis of EELS
• EELS techniques with machine learning

Underpinned by advances in instrumentation, experimental protocols and increasingly sophisticated data analysis, Atom Probe Tomography (APT) is now an indispensable characterisation tool in laboratories around the world. The improved capabilities have broadened the scope of investigations and increased the depth of achievable atomic-scale insights. This has nucleated entirely new lines of research, including application to a wider range of material systems ( biological, ceramics, energy materials) and the study of degradation of material microstructure subject to extreme conditions (irradiation, corrosion, hydrogen ingress).
This session welcomes submissions pertaining to advanced applications of APT and in particular studies incorporating novel uses of complementary microscopy techniques to enable and enhance APT characterisation.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Advances in atom probe instrumentation, including: single ion detector technology, exploring alternate laser wavelegths, cryo- and/or vacuum-transfer, novel data interpretation algorithms, etc…
• Materials Science applications, including: hydrogen embrittlement, materials for energy applications, ceramics, cryo-enabled analyses of liquids and soft materials, biological materials, semiconductor materials and devices, effects of processing and/or in service condition on microstructure, etc ...
• Advanced APT specimen preparation techniques, including novel plasma-, laser-, cryo-FIB based approaches
• Novel correlative and complementary microscopy featuring APT

This symposium will focus on advances in the study of ultrafast chemical and materials dynamics (structural, electronic, magnetic) and photonics with time-resolved microscopy. In addition to communicating instrumentation developments and the new scientific advances resulting from ultrafast (and fast) electron microscopy (transmission and scanning) experiments and femtosecond-resolved optical microscopy (wide-field and near-field) experiments, a goal of this symposium is to stimulate discussions on future directions of time-resolved microscopy and to foster the formation of new collaborations and new ideas within the relevant communities.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Techniques and instrumentation for high-resolution (spatial and temporal) imaging, both in stroboscopic and single-shot modes, and the scientific findings they reveal.
• Structural, electronic, and magnetic dynamics that have been enabled by using time-resolved microscopy methods.
• Photonics under strong photon-electron interactions that has been enabled by femtosecond optical and/or electron pulses, coherent control of quantum system, electron state manipulation
• Discoveries, new physical insights, and paradigm tests that have occurred because of developments and advancements in time-resolved microscopy.

Recent advances in ptychography and 4D-STEM using fast pixelated detectors in general have opened new opportunities for the characterization of materials both in physical and life sciences. By recording an almost complete distribution of scattering in position and momentum spaces, 4D-STEM has matured to a platform for dose-efficient ptychographic phase retrieval, centre-of-mass (COM) and differential-phase contrast (DPC) based direct measurement of electromagnetic properties, as well as structural and chemical characterization by quantitative angular multi-range analysis. The symposium will cover the most recent advances and common challenges in establishing direct structure-property relationships in materials using 4D-STEM. This includes application and development of algorithms for solving inverse scattering problems; extracting physical properties such as local strain, electric and magnetic fields, polarization, chemical composition; ptychography, super-resolution and multiple scattering; extensions to 3D structural imaging; low-dose and life sciences applications; advances in detectors and fast processing (including machine learning) for these large data sets.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Electron ptychography, experiment and theory of phase retrieval
• DPC & COM imaging, including electromagnetic fields in materials.
• Advances in experiments and analyses of 4D-STEM using fast pixelated detectors.
• 4D-STEM, strain, composition, symmetry and novel analysis of the data.
• 4D-STEM Applications to life sciences

This symposium aims to address issues related to microscopy and its application in the arts from two perspectives. The first perspective involves understanding artwork through the use of microscopic technology. The composition and material properties of layers in works of art are crucial factors in their conservation and valuation, and microscopic and spectroscopic techniques have contributed significantly to uncovering hidden stories and preserving world-class masterpieces. These techniques include the analysis, preservation, and restoration of artworks and artifacts. The second perspective is to provide a comprehensive overview of the intersection between Art and Science, which explores the creative inspiration derived from images obtained through microscopy, as well as the creation of art through microscopic techniques.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Analysis of artworks and relics using microcopic analysis techniques such as optical/ electron/ laser microscopy, Raman, XRD, XRF, CT and other spectroscopy techniques.
• Microscopic contribution in preservation and restoration of artworks and relics.
• Insight and reinterpretation of artworks based on the microscopic point of view.
• Artworks generated by microscopic tools and techniques including digital artworks.

A comprehensive understanding of energy storage mechanisms holds the key to the successful development of next-generation battery materials and systems with high energy density and long cycle life. The conversion between electrical and chemical energy accompanies the reversible insertion and extraction of ions and electrons into and out of electrode materials. The electrochemical reactions lead to structural and chemical changes occurring in the multiscale levels from the atomic to hundreds of micrometers. In this symposium, we will bring together materials scientists and chemists to share cutting-edge knowledge of the evolutions of battery materials in crystal-, electronic-, and micro-structures upon their electrochemical reactions. The application of multiscale structural/chemical probes with spatial resolution, such as electron, optical, X-ray, and neutron microscopy techniques, will establish the strong correlation between structure and electrochemistry, which is essential for building better batteries.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Revealing energy storage mechanisms and degradation mechanisms of battery materials in a multi-scale context using electron, optical, X-ray, and neutron (spectro-)microscopy.
• Strategies to combine microscopy, spectroscopy, and electrochemistry in studying various rechargeable battery systems: Li(Na, K)-ion, Li(Na, K)-metal, multivalent ion(Mg, Zn, Ca, Al), metal-air, metal-S, all-solid-state, organic batteries, etc.
• Advances in in situ, operando techniques with high spatial and time resolution for probing electrochemical/chemical reactions during battery operation and engineering.
• Advances in data-driven characterization and analysis for battery materials discovery, development, and engineering.
• Advances in automated/high-throughput experimentation for multiscale analyses of battery materials and processes.

* Symposium Coordinator : Jihyun Hong (Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea)

This symposium focuses on the applications of advanced microscopy/spectroscopy techniques (for example, TEM/STEM, electron diffraction, EELS, cathode luminescence, electron tomography, electron holography, and differential phase contrast) to provide new insights into the structural, compositional, and functional properties of semiconductor-related materials and devices. In addition to conventional semiconductors (for example, Si, GaN, and SiC), peripheral materials in the semiconductive state (such as, ultrathin materials, nanowires, nanotubes, and transition metal oxides) fall within the scope of this symposium. We also welcome contributions regarding correlative microscopy and techniques with atom probe tomography for the investigation of nanoscale structure–property relationships in semiconductor devices. Other topics of interest include in situ experiments conducted at elevated temperatures as well as in the presence of external stimuli such as applied voltage.

[ Topic of Interest ]

• Aberration-corrected STEM and EELS techniques to investigate new semiconductor-related materials and devices

• Electron tomography and applications in the semiconductor industry

• In situ TEM techniques to study the degradation and operation mechanisms of new memory devices

• Nanoscale quantification of dopant and strain distributions in semiconductor devices

• Correlative microscopy and characterization techniques for nanoelectronic materials and devices.

In this symposium, we discuss new physical insights and understanding in plasmonics, nanophotonics, and quantum optics revealed by nanoscopic spectroscopies based on electron microscopy or scanning probe microscopy and other advanced techniques. Not only well-known electron energy-loss spectroscopy, cathodoluminescence, scanning tunneling spectroscopy and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, but also emerging pump-probe spectroscopy, photon-counting-based techniques, structured beams, other novel instrumental developments and theoretical proposals are welcome. Besides, varios excitations (e.g. photons, plasmons, phonons, excitons, and their coupled states) in broadband spanning the terahertz, infrared, and visible regimes are in scope of this symposium. Measuring spin, orbital angular momentum, and other new degrees of freedom would attract great interest of attendees.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Nanoscale spectroscopies (e.g. EELS, CL, STS, STL, TERS)
• Excitations in the terahertz, infrared, and visible regimes (photons, plasmons, phonons, excitons...)
• Instrumental and theoretical developments to access and understand new states or new degrees of freedom (e.g. pump-probe spectroscopy, photon-counting-based techniques, structured beams)

This symposium provides a forum for the presentation of fundamental research advances and technological progress in the understanding, processing, and applications of aperiodic crystals, including quasicrystals, metallic glasses, and related materials. Aperiodic crystals are of technological importance for their performance in extreme environments because of their atomic structure, and crystal chemistry. These novel aperiodic crystals possess a range of advantageous mechanical and functional properties, but a complete understanding of how microstructure relates to properties is still lacking. The study of aperiodic crystals offers exciting opportunities to investigate how microstructures respond to the environment and how this eventually affects the mechanical and physical properties. This symposium provides an opportunity for scientists and engineers to present and discuss the latest theoretical and applied research related to the atomic structure, processing, and properties of aperiodic crystals.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Atomic structure
• Microstructural characterization and control
• Alloy development and processing
• Structure and property relationships
• Modelling and theory of fundamentals

The symposium will focus on the latest advances and developments in photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) and its biomedical applications. The symposium will cover a range of topics related to PAM, including wavelength tunable multispectral PAM, contour scanning techniques for enhancing the reliability of PAM imaging, multiscale PAM imaging from microscopic to macroscopic levels, and ultrasound-guided PAM analysis of biological tissues in vivo. Invited talks will highlight PAM's potential applications in biomedical research. Attendees can engage in discussions with experts, learn about the latest research findings, and explore collaborations. The event provides a valuable platform for researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals interested in PAM and its applications in biomedical imaging, facilitating the exchange of ideas and the development of new research collaborations.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• Multispectral imaging techniques in PAM for enhanced tissue characterization and disease detection.
• Development of new imaging systems and techniques for improving the sensitivity and specificity of PAM.
• Applications of PAM in preclinical and clinical research, including cancer detection, cardiovascular imaging, and neuroimaging.
• Multiscale PAM imaging approaches for investigating biological processes and structures at the microscopic and macroscopic levels.
• Integration of PAM with other imaging modalities for enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.

Modern University, Government and Industry infrastructures are being developed to integrate artificial intelligence, machine learning and other high-performance computing capabilities close to or within electron microscopy, characterization and nanoprocessing facilities. Combining these interests present challenges to effciently use space, minimize interferences, handle heat and clean power, whilst not only coping with increasingly tight environmental specifications for the microscopy instrumentation, but also creating a comfortable creative sense of place for users. We encourage those of the international microscopy community to present their ideas, successes, difficulties in creating world-class facilities. Amoung the topics that could be covered are: design of equipment chases and how to manage the heat output of highly-computerized EMs, making space for creative minds, keeping track of EVERYTHING, remote microscopy in the post pandemic age, and more.

[ Topic of Interest ]
• design of equipment chases and how to manage the heat output of highly-computerized EMs, making space for creative minds, keeping track of EVERYTHING, remote microscopy in the post pandemic age.

The small symposium intends to pay tribute to the 25 years of the European Microscopy Society (EMS), the largest of all the regional societies forming part of the IFSM. In the first session (120 minutes), there will be a short introduction by the President of the EMS (José M. Valpuesta), followed by two lectures of very distinguished scientists: Wolfgang Baumeister (Max Planck Institute. Martinsried. Germany), representing Life Sciences, and Sara Bals (University of Antwerp), representing Material Sciences. Then there will the presentation of the 2022 Outstanding paper Awards. The second session will be devoted to the 2022 General Assembly of the European Microscopy Society.

[ Topic of Interest ]
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