Light and electron microscopy across the life and physical sciences will take centre stage in Manchester from 16^th - 21^st September 2012.

The 15^th European Microscopy Congress, emc2012, will be Europe's largest ever event dedicated to microscopy and imaging. It includes an international conference comprising over 30 sessions within four symposia, an exhibition with over 100 companies, plus a programme of workshops, training opportunities, and a busy social programme. The Call for Papers has been made, and the deadline for abstract submission is 16^th March.

Programme of symposia

Full details of the scientific programme are available at www.emc2012.orr/conference. As you would expect, it offers something for everyone with an active interest in microscopy, and for the first time at a European Microscopy Congress, it also includes sessions on flow cytometry.

"The breadth of the scientific programme - which embraces light and electron microscopy and spectroscopy across both the life and physical sciences, along with scanning probe and flow cytometry techniques - provides an unparalleled opportunity," says Dr Debbie Stokes, the emc2012 Conference Chair. "Not only will delegates be able to immerse themselves in their own area of interest, but they will also be exposed to a range of new techniques and tools that might benefit their current work, or that could feature in their careers in the future."

Exhibition

A major exhibition will run in parallel with the conference. All the major manufacturers will be there along with suppliers of microscopy add-ons and consumables. So far, 95 confirmed bookings have taken over 1600m² of stand-space. By comparison, at MICROSCIENCE 2010 there was 1100m² of stands. See www.emc2012.org/exhibition

The exhibitors will play a huge role in making emc2012 a success, and the effort and logistics of getting high-end, high-value equipment set-up and working should not be under estimated.

"Exhibitions such as emc2012 provide many challenges for companies, but they also provide unmatched opportunities for us to meet with researchers and to discuss their needs with them," said Rod Shipley, Chair of the RMS Corporate Advisory Board. "Of course, companies are there to promote their range, but delegates should not forget that the people that man the stands have a real passion for microscopy. I would encourage all visitors to engage with these people and to provide the feedback that will lead to even better products being available in the future."

Additional features

As well as the conference and exhibition, emc2012 includes features such as a fully-equipped teaching and learning zone that is freely accessible to all visitors, a full social programme, plus an International Micrograph Competition with a range of great prizes. Details of how to submit entries to this, along with details of bursaries for early career researchers are available at www.emc2012.org

We would like to see a copy of the conference programme on every departmental and company notice board. You can help us to achieve this. Just download and print the PDF at www.emc2012.org/conference

The 15^th European Microscopy Congress, Manchester UK, 16^th - 21^st September 2012.