Conference Sessions
Sessions are grouped by scientific domain. Further information about the EMAG sessions will be added in due course.
Life Sciences Sessions
Advances in Super-resolution Microscopy
Session Chair: Aleks Ponjavic (University of Leeds, UK)
Thursday 8 July 1045 - 1245
Super‑resolution microscopy is rapidly advancing our ability to visualise biological structures far beyond the diffraction limit. This session will highlight recent progress across both fixed and live‑cell imaging, with a particular focus on high‑speed approaches that increase experimental throughput or enable the capture of dynamic processes in living systems. The programme will explore advances in super‑resolution optics, labelling strategies, and analytical tools designed to enhance temporal performance. Contributions will span both technological developments and biological applications, emphasising how improved throughput and dynamic imaging enable deeper insight into nanoscale cellular dynamics and mechanisms.
Invited Speakers
Jonas Ries
Sabrina Simoncelli
AFM & SPM for Life Science and Medicine
Session Chair: Julia Gorelik (Imperial College London, UK)
Tuesday 6 July 1430 - 1630
This session will showcase the application and development of atomic force microscopy and other scanning probe microscopy techniques in the life sciences and medicine. Areas include proteins, membranes, nucleic acids and structural biology, cell biology, microbiology and biomaterials. The session will also highlight the development of new AFM&SPM approaches for studying living systems, including high-speed AFM, correlative AFM with other techniques including optical microscopy and optical spectroscopy, and the application of AFM for molecular force spectroscopy and the measurement of local mechanical properties.
Invited Speakers
Andra Dumitru
Tilman Schaeffer
Clinical and Diagnostic Imaging
Session Chair: Patricia Goggin (University of Southampton, UK)
Thursday 8 July 1045 - 1245
Imaging is a powerful tool for pathologists to diagnose and understand disease across length scales and modalities. The development of both imaging and analysis continues to require microscopists and pathologists to work together to tackle new challenges, and translate cutting-edge research into viable diagnostic tools. This session covers developments in pathology and diagnostic imaging, including advancements in light and electron microscopy, x-ray imaging and analysis, and the translation of research into accessible instruments that make viable diagnostic tools.
Invited Speakers
Orestis Katsamenis
Correlative Microscopy in Life Sciences
Session Chair: Jemima Burden (University College London, UK)
Wednesday 7 July 1015 - 1215
Correlative microscopy integrates imaging modalities to go beyond what individual techniques alone can resolve. This session will highlight advances in combining light microscopy with electron microscopy (CLEM), expansion microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to reveal new biological insight across a range of sample type. We welcome submissions in any of these correlative approaches including emerging analysis pipelines that integrate datasets across resolutions and contrasts, supporting quantitative interpretation and deeper biological insight across scales.
Cryo-EM: from Structure to in situ
Session Chair: Emma Hesketh (University of Leicester, UK)
Wednesday 7 July 1415 - 1615
Cryo-EM to solve structures from macromolecules to in situ structural biology. This session welcomes contributions on emerging cryo-EM instrumentation and theories (e.g., STEM tomography, sub tomographic averaging, microED and cryo-CLEM). Contributions spanning materials, biological, and multidisciplinary research are welcome.
Invited Speakers
Daniel Serwas
Melissa Webby
Expansion Microscopy
Session Chair: Marine Laporte (Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, France)
Wednesday 7 July 1015 - 1215
Physical magnification of biological samples through expansion microscopy (ExM) can resolve intricate cellular structures once hidden by the diffraction limit of light, turning raw visual data into quantifiable biological insights. This session will showcase the ongoing development and application of ExM for bioimaging. Contributions are welcome across a wide range of ExM applications including i) applying ExM in a range of different biological systems (e.g. plants, protists, insects, etc.), ii) developing new ExM methodologies (e.g. cryo-ExM, ExFISH, improved labelling techniques, etc.), iii) increasing the resolution and throughput, and iv) combing ExM with other imaging modalities (e.g. super-resolution, lightsheet, mass-spec, Raman, etc).
Invited Speakers
Lukas Kapitein
Olivier Mercey
High-throughput / High-content Microscopy
Session Chair: Chun Hao Wong (University of Cambridge, UK)
Tuesday 6 July 1030 - 1230
High throughput/high content imaging enable the automated, large-scale acquisition and quantitative analysis of complex cellular phenotypes, bridging the gap between genomic data and functional biological insights. This session surveys current developments in high-throughput, high-content, and high-dimensional microscopy across academia and industry. Topics will include diverse sample types (2D, 3D and complex cultures), a range of imaging endpoint technologies, evolving image analysis approaches, and advances in hardware and data management. Emphasis will be placed on accessibility, scalability, and reproducibility for varied research environments.
Invited Speakers
Ilya Lukonin
Heba Sailem
Imaging Cells in Flow
Session Chair: Christopher Hall (The University of Edinburgh, UK)
Thursday 8 July 1400 - 1530
Flow cytometry enables multiplexed measurements on cells in suspension but traditionally at zero spatial resolution. Imaging flow cytometry now correlates fluorescence quantitation with cellular images, allowing analysis of cell size, shape, morphology, and fluorescence localization. Label‑free approaches and AI‑driven algorithms represent important next steps, improving feature extraction, classification, and interpretation. This session will include techniques and applications that combine quantitative analysis of particles in flow with simultaneous image capture, as well as the analytical approaches used. This session will look to include techniques or applications which combine quantitative analysis of particles in flow with the capture of images, as well as analytical approaches.
Invited Speakers
Natalia Bednarz-Knoll
Imaging Dynamic 3D Biology (BSCB)
Session Chair: Kate McDole (MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, UK)
Tuesday 6 July 1430 - 1630
Capturing biological processes as they unfold in physiologically relevant environments remains a central challenge in modern microscopy. This session will highlight advances in visualising dynamic biology across 3D culture systems, tissues and in vivo models.
This session bridges from technology development to biological discovery. We welcome contributions using intravital imaging to reveal new insights into physiological processes in living systems, alongside methodological developments that expand the range of organs and tissues accessible to optical imaging. Topics may include emerging modalities such as three-photon and light-sheet microscopy, approaches enabling deeper or less invasive imaging, and applications in organoids, tissue models and other complex 3D systems.
Invited Speakers
Vikas Trivedi
Mass Spectrometry and Spectral Imaging
Session Chair: Carla Newman (GSK, UK)
Thursday 8 July 1045 - 1245
This session highlights recent advances in all forms of 'high-plex' spatial biology including mass spectrometry, imaging mass cytometry, Raman and spatial omics imaging methods; correlative pipelines combining these methodologies with more traditional imaging techniques will also be covered. We welcome submissions that emphasise applications of these methods, show current state of the art of these techniques through novel or improved instrument design, to novel approaches to data handling, process and analysis including AI methods.
Invited Speakers
Ian Gilmore
Priyanka Dey
New Frontiers in Histology
Session Chair: Steven West (International Brain Laboratory Core (IBL Core), UK)
Tuesday 6 July 1430 - 1630
Integrating histology techniques with AI-driven data analysis transforms static tissue samples into high-dimensional datasets, enabling identification of subtle biological patterns and transitions in disease. This session will showcase emerging and transformative approaches in modern histology, spanning tissue structure and organisation, histological labelling and processing strategies, and the development and implementation of new histology workflows. We welcome contributions that move beyond traditional descriptive histology, including integration with 3D imaging, spatial biology, multiplexed labelling, computational analysis, and quantitative interpretation. Emphasis will be placed on advances that generate new biological insight, deepen understanding of histological processes, or improve robustness, scalability, and reproducibility. Submissions may include methodological innovation, engineering solutions, or exemplar biological studies demonstrating how histology is evolving as a central, data-rich pillar of contemporary life-science research.
Optogenetics Across Scales
Session Chair: Viji Draviam (Queen Mary University of London, UK)
Thursday 8 July 1400 - 1530
Optogenetics uses engineering biology, optics, and chemical biology approaches to precisely control biological activity in living cells. Cells can be engineered to express light-responsive proteins, while complementary chemical probes can enhance the manipulation and monitoring of cellular processes. This session will explore recent developments in both probe development and experimental implementation for optogenetic approaches. We welcome submissions covering the reversible control of protein complexes and imaging across scales, from molecules to cells to tissues, to unravel dynamic biological processes in real time.
Volume EM in the Life Sciences
Session Chair: Kirsty Maclellan-Gibson (Babraham Institute, UK)
Wednesday 7 July 1415 - 1615
Volume EM encompasses a wide range of technologies aimed at generating 3D information across extended scales with applications across a broad base of life sciences spanning developmental biology, neuroscience and disease. This session welcomes research applications of vEM and innovations in vEM technology and data processing. This includes emerging volume EM instrumentation (e.g., array tomography, serial sectioning, multibeam and tape delivery technologies), research applications, sample preparation and AI assisted methods for data segmentation. Contributions spanning multidisciplinary research are welcome.
Invited Speakers
Paolo Ronchi
Vito Mennella
Physical Sciences Sessions
4D STEM Fundamentals: Techniques, Theory, Machine Learning and Hardware
Session Chair: Ian MacLaren (University of Glasgow, UK)
Thursday 8 July 1045 - 1245
4D STEM is developing rapidly, even as it finds increasing application across many fields of science. This session is specifically for fundamental developments in 4D STEM, which can be in any relevant subarea, including: acquisition, analysis or processing techniques; theory and algorithms for understanding 4D STEM data and extracting useful information from it; applications of machine learning and AI in 4D STEM; microscope workflows and programming; hardware developments including in detectors, microscope integration, IT / server applications and integration into microscopy facilities.
Please note, there may be other sessions more relevant to applications of 4D STEM in different research fields. 4D STEM abstracts with a wider remit than discussed here will be considered for a session contribution by the EMAG co-organisers.
Invited Speakers
Kayla Fallon
Georgios Varnavides
Advanced Imaging of Materials from Cultural Heritage
Session Chair: Lore Troalen (National Museums Scotland, UK)
Wednesday 7 July 1415 - 1615
This session will cover advanced imaging applications for the study of materials of cultural heritage and their degradation. We encourage submissions that could include mass spectrometric imaging techniques (MALDI/ DESI), synchrotron applications (STXM), and also EM/TEM applications, micro-CT, neutrons imaging. Abstracts with a wider remit than discussed here will be considered for a session contribution by the EMAG co-organisers.
Invited Speakers
Daniel O'Flynn
AFM & SPM for Materials and Surfaces
Session Chair: Amir Farokh-Payam (Ulster University, UK)
Tuesday 6 July 1030 - 1230
This session will showcase the application and development of atomic force microscopy and other scanning probe microscopy techniques for the study of materials and surface science. Areas include energy materials, advanced materials for electronics, piezoelectric materials, 2-dimensional materials, molecules on surfaces, and near-field optical properties at surfaces. The session will also highlight the development of new AFM&SPM approaches for the study of materials and surfaces, including mechanical and electrical properties, nearfield optical spectroscopy, advances in spatial resolution from the nanometre to atomic scale, and the development of new modes of imaging and surface investigation.
Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD)
Session Chair: Tinka K Marquardt (University of Oxford, UK)
Thursday 8 July 1400 - 1530
This session will focus on recent advances and applications of Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) for microstructural characterisation across a wide range of materials. Topics include high-resolution EBSD, 3D EBSD, in situ and correlative approaches, and developments in data analysis, including machine learning-assisted interpretation. Applications span metals, ceramics, semiconductors, and functional materials, highlighting the role of EBSD in understanding deformation, phase transformations, and microstructure–property relationships. Contributions are invited from both methodological developments and applied studies demonstrating the impact of EBSD in materials science and engineering.
Invited Speakers
Marc De Graef
in-situ / Operando Microscopy Techniques
Session Chair: Manfred E. Schuster (Diamond Light Source, UK)
Wednesday 7 July 1015 - 1215
This session highlights cutting‑edge developments in in‑situ and operando microscopy, spanning SEM, TEM, and synchrotron‑based imaging and spectroscopy. Presentations will feature studies performed in gas and liquid cell environments, incorporating stimuli such as heating, biasing, and other dynamic conditions. A central theme is multiscale, multimodal characterization focusing on integrating complementary techniques to capture real‑time structural, chemical, and functional evolution in materials for energy, catalysis, electronics, and biological systems. We especially welcome contributions that showcase innovative experimental or cell designs, advances in instrumentation enabling in‑situ measurements as well as novel data processing or analysis approaches that enhance interpretation of in-situ/operando experiments.
In-situ/operando abstracts with a wider remit than outlined here will be considered for a session contribution by the EMAG co-organisers.
Invited Speakers
Thomas W. Hansen
Microscopy of Soft-Hard Interfaces
Session Chair: Nadja Tarakina (Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Germany)
Thursday 8 July 1400 - 1530
Interfaces at which hard and soft matter meet occur in both natural and synthetic systems. A mismatch in chemical reactivity, mechanical response, or adaptability to the environment across these soft–hard interfaces results in complex structure-property relationships. This session will bring together scientists working on the characterization of hybrid interfaces using different methods (electron optical and scanning probe microscopies, etc.) across different disciplines (biology, chemistry, physics, geology). Specific attention will be given to methodologies that enable resolution of atomic and electronic structure of the hybrid interfaces, to follow dynamic processes at these interfaces in-situ/in-operando and to develop approaches to standardize the analysis.
Invited Speakers
Kathryn Grandfield
Life/Physical Sciences Sessions
Advanced EM Techniques at Chemistry-Biology Interface
Session Chair: Fabio Nudelman (The University of Edinburgh, UK)
Thursday 8 July 1045 - 1245
This session will cover advanced electron microscopy techniques as, conventional, and cryogenic TEM, SEM, FIB-SEM, electron diffraction, and STEM, within research areas at the interface of chemistry, materials science, and biology. In multidisciplinary fields where medicine, biology, chemistry, and materials science intersect, electron microscopy techniques are not only fundamental to understanding complex systems at the microscopic scale but are often the only methods capable of providing a holistic understanding of intricate biological systems. Contributions are welcome from all fields where various forms of electron microscopy are applied to address biological and medical questions associated to chemistry and materials science.
AI for Automated Microscopy
Session Chair: Ricardo Henriques (ITQB NOVA, Portugal)
Wednesday 7 July 1415 - 1615
Artificial intelligence is increasingly transforming how microscopy experiments are designed and performed. This session will highlight advances in AI-driven approaches for automated image acquisition and microscope control, focusing on the development of smart microscopy workflows. This session will include real-time image analysis guiding acquisition, adaptive sampling strategies, automated feature detection, and intelligent instrument control. Emphasis will be placed on the practical integration of AI tools into microscopy platforms, enabling more efficient, reproducible, and information-rich experiments.
Invited Speakers
Guillaume Jacquement
Cryo-FIB SEM
Session Chair: Maud Dumoux (Rosalind Franklin Institute, UK)
Tuesday 6 July 1430 - 1630
Cryo-FIB SEM (Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy) is a pivotal technology (including development of opensource cryo-FIB SEM/ FIB SEM-OS software) underpinning the preparation of lamellae for high-resolution 3D cryo-ET and volume EM (cvEM). This session welcomes submissions addressing advances in cryo-FIB SEM for cryo-ET, cryo-CLEM, Serial lift out and innovations intended to expand the reach of cryo-FIB SEM into ever more complex and challenging studies. Submissions targeting innovations including novel scanning strategies and compressive sensing to overcome sample charging and beam sensitivity for cvEM of cells and tissues are also welcome. This session welcomes contributions on emerging cryo- FIB SEM instrumentation, applications and AI assisted methods. Contributions spanning materials, biological, and multidisciplinary research are encouraged.
Invited Speakers
Peter Don Dahlberg
Peijun Zhang
Focused Ion Beam (FIB) & Prep
Session Chair: Xiangli Zhong (The University of Manchester, UK)
Tuesday 6 July 1030 - 1230
Advances in Focused Ion Beam (FIB) technologies and microscopy sample preparation are transforming imaging and characterization across materials science, engineering, and the life sciences. This session welcomes contributions on emerging FIB instrumentation, including in-situ, Cryo-FIB and AI assisted methods, alongside conventional electron microscopy preparation techniques. Topics include automated and high-throughput workflows, 3D serial sectioning and tomography, correlative microscopy, and preparation strategies supporting electron, ion, and X-ray imaging modalities. Contributions spanning materials, biological, and multidisciplinary research are encouraged. The session highlights integrated workflows that enable multi-scale analysis of complex systems.
Invited Speakers
Frances Allen
Ben Britton
Frontier Developments in Light Microscopy
Session Chair: Andreas Boden (King’s College London, UK)
Tuesday 6 July 1030 - 1230
This session will highlight cutting-edge developments in custom-built and open-hardware microscopy platforms across all light microscopy modalities. Topics will include advances in illumination schemes, adaptive optics, fast and sensitive detectors, and modular system architectures that expand experimental capabilities. Emphasis will be placed on practical usability, reproducibility, and long-term sustainability, including considerations around accessibility, standardisation, and community adoption. We welcome submissions addressing novel technological solutions alongside real-world applications, illustrating how hardware innovation drives new biological insights and broader research impact.
Invited Speakers
Robert Prevedel
Gail McConnell
Late Breaking
Session Chair: Claire Mitchell (Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, UK)
Wednesday 7 July 1015 - 1215
Late breaking submissions are invited to report the very latest results in microscopy. This abstract deadline is not intended to be merely an extension of the general submission deadline: instead this session provides an opportunity for researchers to present the most exciting emerging recent developments in the field.
Novel Computational Methodologies in Microscopy
Session Chair: Siân Culley (King’s College London, UK)
Thursday 8 July 1400 - 1530
Many digital workflows are now being developed to accelerate and simplify the analysis of microscopy data. The use of physics-aware and biology-informed algorithms can facilitate the interpretation of image data and better explain the nature of the sample across all microscopy modalities in life and physical sciences. This session will focus on novel computational methodologies in microscopy and highlight promising applications of software that can accelerate scientific discovery. We welcome submissions that showcase the breadth of AI and machine learning tools being developed and applied to data analysis in imaging with application from the life sciences, across all microscopy modalities.
Invited Speakers
Meghan Driscoll
Till Bretschneider
