Royal Microscopy Society

Microscopy New Zealand (MNZ) and the Royal Microscopical Society (RMS) have agreed to work collaboratively across a range of strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the microscopy and bioimaging community. This partnership includes the development of potential knowledge exchange activities and a funded Early Career Researcher programme, mutual endorsement of MNZ and RMS events, and the establishment of an RMS-sponsored award for MNZ award recipients. Both organisations will actively share and promote relevant resources, ensuring visibility and benefit for their respective members. The agreement also allows for the exploration of further opportunities as they arise, supporting and promoting each organisation’s work and shared aims.

We are very excited to promote the following opportunites: 

RMS Diploma

We are committed to encouraging our members to improve and develop their skills. We believe qualifications play an important part in this. These are challenging and rewarding whilst fitting around, and complementing, the candidate's existing employment. www.rms.org.uk/opportunities/rms-diploma

RMS Collaboration Award:
This award is funded by the Royal Microscopical Society (RMS) and will be presented at the Annual New Zealand Microscopy Conference. It will recognise a research project or initiative that reflects and actively encourages collaboration between the two or more organisations.

The 21st International Microscopy Congress
31st August-4th September 2026 | Liverpool, UK

Our friends at RMS would like to promote this year’s 21st International Microscopy Congress. They are offering bursaries to those who would like to attend (yes, even us here in New Zealand) which are open to RMS members as well as non-members. If you are interested in getting updates, you can follow IMC21 on social media: @IMC21_Liverpool on X, and @RoyalMicroSoc #IMC21_Liverpool on Bluesky, and LinkedIn profile. Here are some useful links:

Homepage - www.imc21.org.uk
Exhibition - www.imc21.org.uk/exhibition
Abstract Submission - www.imc21.org.uk/congress/abstract-submission
Registration - www.imc21.org.uk/general-information/registration

And key dates:

Oral & Poster Abstract Submission Deadline - Friday 6 March 2026
Late Breaking Abstract Deadline - Friday 26 June 2026
Early Bird Registration Deadline - Friday 17 July 2026

IFSM Young Scientist Assembly (YSA/ECR)

Taking place as part of IMC21, the IFSM Young Scientist Assembly for Early Career Researchers (YSA/ECR) brings together 50 early-career scientists recognised for their achievements and the quality of their IMC21 abstract submissions.  The YSA/ECR programme also features a prestigious imaging contest, recognising scientifically stunning images from participants, with the entries being on prominent display and a winner being announced at the YSA/ECR dinner.

YSA/ECR attendees will have the opportunity to:

·       Participate in round-table discussions with IMC21 plenary speakers, including Q&A sessions.

·       Connect with discipline leaders to discuss career planning and development.

·       Network with fellow early career researchers and future leaders.

The YSA/ECR programme includes an excursion and dinner on Saturday 29 August 2026, followed by a full-day meeting on Sunday 30 August 2026.

YSA/ECR Keynote Speakers

·       Jessica Wade, Imperial College London, UK

·       Valeria Nicolosi, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

This programme is open to all PhD students and researchers who have completed their degree within the five years previous to IMC21 (i.e. after August 2021). Please note that at least one abstract must be accepted into the IMC21 Congress Programme in order to be included in this programme.

Find out more - www.imc21.org.uk/congress/young-scientist-assembly.