About Us

Microscopy New Zealand Incorporated is the national society supporting professionals who work with microscopy and imaging technologies across Aotearoa New Zealand. The society brings together researchers, academics, technical specialists, and industry partners from fields including biological sciences, biomedical research, clinical applications, and materials science. 

MNZ’s mission is to advance discovery through light and electron microscopy in New Zealand and beyond. We aim to drive scientific discovery and innovation by promoting the study and application of light and electron microscopy, along with associated techniques, within New Zealand and adjacent.

Every two years we hold a conference, which is hosted in a different part of the country. The conferences represent the opportunity to connect face-to-face, exchange knowledge, and build relationships.

We also produce a newsletter, Microscopy in Focus and have a monthly communication, which provides updates on events and opportunities inside New Zealand and elsewhere.

Sign up now to join us and become a part of this thriving community.

Delegates from the 31st Microscopy New Zealand conference in Lincoln, 2024.

Our purpose

Providing professional expertise

Delivering expert advise and support in light and electron microscopy to the scientific community in New Zealand, fostering excellence in research and applications

Encouraging education and collaboration

Promoting and facilitating education in light and electron microscopy, encompassing complementary skills in sample preparation, imaging techniques, and image analysis

Strengthening international and regional connections

Maintaining active collaboration with the International Federation of Societies for Light and Electron Microscopy and other organizations sharing similar goals, fostering a global exchange of knowledge and innovation

MNZ office holders

Head-and-shoulders portrait of a man with dark hair and beard, wearing a blue sweater, standing outdoors against a wooden fence.

Alfonso Schmidt

President
Malagan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington

Portrait of a smiling woman with dark hair styled with braids, wearing a sleeveless blue top, standing against a plain light-colored background.

Sharon McKenzie-Lequeux

Secretary
University of Otago, Dunedin

A man with glasses, wearing a dark suit jacket and black shirt, standing outdoors in front of a plant-filled garden with a wooden fence in the background.

Duane Harland

Website Development
Bioeconomy Science Institute, Lincoln

A middle-aged man with gray hair and stubble standing outdoors on a sunny day, wearing a brown jacket and a necklace with a green pendant, with trees and a pathway in the background.

Mihnea Bostina

Vice-President
University of Otago, Dunedin

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Niki Hazelton

Communications
University of Otago, Dunedin

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Nicola Shaw

Website Development
Bioeconomy Science Institute, Auckland

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Marina Richena

Treasurer
Bioeconomy Science Institute, Lincoln

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Jacqui Ross

Website Development
University of Auckland, Auckland

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Emily Clark Murphy

Website Development
University of Auckland, Auckland

Banner image courtesy of Duane Harland-BSI, Lincoln