Our Mission

The Scottish Microscopy Society, formerly the Scottish Microscopy Group, was created by a small group of electron microscopists over 50 years ago and has grown to now incorporate the whole spectrum of microscopy with committee members from institutions across disciplines and across Scotland. 

The SMS has held over 40 annual symposia in this time bringing together researchers from all over the country to learn about new techniques and discoveries in the field of microscopy. We are very proud of the strong focus our symposia has on early career researchers (ECRs), providing them with opportunities to present their work at the National level and learn about the broader view of microscopy research, development and careers.

Through a survey of the microscopy community in early 2019 we heard how we could provide more to microscopy researchers in Scotland, hence our newly formed mission

Promote microscopy research and facilities in Scotland

Inform on new technologies and funding prospects

Connect microscopy researchers and developers

Inspire collaboration across disciplines and institutions

We aim to achieve this mission by continuing our very successful annual symposia but also facilitating new events throughout the year to provide opportunities for further networking, nurturing collaboration between academics and across the industry sector. 

Becoming the information point to hear about what facilities exist in Scotland and how you can access them, connecting you with the exceptional microscopy facilities we have in Scotland to really drive your research. Keeping you up to date with the latest microscopy technologies, funding calls and job opportunities through our mailing list, social media (Twitter and Instagram), newsletter and our events. Finally we will start new ventures into public outreach to promote and teach about the high impact research underway in Scotland outside of the academic sphere.

All of this will be further enhanced by working together with our neighbouring societies such as SULSA, SINAPSE and SUPA…to name a few as well as the innovative small medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and larger industry companies within the field of microscopy.  To hear more about our partners please visit our partners page.

SMS Symposium, Aberdeen 2018

The Scottish Microscopy Society is a charitable Society with all committee members volunteering to provide everything listed above, we have great representation from across Scotland and career levels. You can contact our members directly, or for general enquiries please contact us via the contact form where you can also join our mailing list. 

Our Partners