The Microscopy Society of America (MSA), a beacon in the scientific community, was formally established in November of 1942, though its origins trace back to a gathering of minds with a shared fascination for the minuscule. Initially christened The Electron Microscope Society of America, this nonprofit entity has dedicated itself to providing essential microanalytical facilities that fuel scientific exploration across a multitude of disciplines. With a membership numbering around 3,000 dedicated individuals, the MSA serves as a vital hub for researchers, educators, and technologists. Its annual meeting, typically convened in early August, is a cornerstone event, fostering collaboration and the dissemination of cutting-edge research. The society’s reach extends across the United States , boasting 30 local affiliates that anchor its presence within diverse scientific communities. Furthermore, the MSA plays a crucial role in maintaining standards of expertise through its program for examining and certifying technologists specializing in electron microscopes . The organization’s commitment to advancing knowledge is reflected in its dual publications: Microscopy Today and Microscopy and Microanalysis , both of which serve as authoritative platforms for the latest developments in the field. As of 2025, the distinguished leadership of the MSA is helmed by President Grant Jensen.

History

The genesis of the Microscopy Society of America can be pinpointed to a pivotal meeting held in November 1942 at the historic Sherman House Hotel in Chicago . This foundational assembly was orchestrated by G. L. Clark, a luminary from the University of Chicago , and it marked the official inception of the society as the Electron Microscope Society of America (EMSA). The society’s influence began to ripple outward, and by the 1949 meeting, an invitation was extended to representatives from European microscopy societies. This gesture proved to be a significant catalyst, potentially sparking the formation of an international body dedicated to the field. Indeed, this led to the establishment of the International Federation of Societies for Electron Microscopy (IFSEM). The EMSA subsequently became a member of IFSEM, and the two organizations would go on to hold joint meetings, a testament to their shared vision. The culmination of this collaborative spirit was the 9th International Congress of Electron Microscopy in 1978, a landmark event that underscored the growing global interconnectedness of microscopy research.

The society’s name underwent a transformation in 1964, evolving to the Electron Microscopy Society of America. This change was a deliberate acknowledgment of the expanding and cross-disciplinary nature of microscopy’s applications, recognizing that its utility extended far beyond a single domain. A further evolution occurred in 1993, when the name was refined to the Microscopy Society of America. This final iteration was adopted to more accurately reflect the burgeoning diversity of microscopy and microanalysis techniques, as well as the wide array of applications being explored and presented at the annual Microscopy and Microanalysis (M&M) meeting and within the MSA’s own publications.

Structure

The operational framework of the MSA is guided by an MSA Executive Council, comprised of five key individuals: the president, president-elect, past president, treasurer, and secretary. The presidential role is a three-year commitment, with each year dedicated to a specific phase of leadership. The first year is spent as president-elect, preparing for the responsibilities ahead. The second year is dedicated to serving as the active president, steering the society’s course. The final year involves transitioning into the role of past president, offering guidance and perspective based on prior experience. The treasurer, responsible for the society’s financial stewardship, serves a five-year term, ensuring continuity and stability in financial matters. The secretary, tasked with official record-keeping and communication, serves a two-year term.

Complementing the Executive Council is the MSA Council, a broader body consisting of seven individuals. Each member of the MSA Council is elected to a two-year term, bringing fresh perspectives and dedicated service to the society’s governance and strategic direction.

Publications

The MSA’s commitment to disseminating knowledge and fostering dialogue within the microscopy community is vividly demonstrated through its two distinguished publications: Microscopy Today and Microscopy and Microanalysis . These journals are released on a bimonthly schedule, with each publication appearing six times a year, alternating their publication cycles. Microscopy Today graces the scientific landscape in odd-numbered months (January, March, May, July, September, November), while Microscopy and Microanalysis makes its appearance in even-numbered months (February, April, June, August, October, December). As of 2023, both journals are published under the esteemed banner of Oxford University Press , a shift from their previous publisher, Cambridge University Press .

Microscopy Today

Microscopy Today operates as a trade magazine , meticulously crafted to serve the informational needs of microscopists across all fields of endeavor. Its editorial scope is broad, encompassing the latest advancements and insights in light microscopy, microanalytical methods, and the ever-evolving domain of electron microscopy. The current editor-in-chief, Dr. Robert L. Price, guides its content with a keen eye for relevance and impact. The journal’s publishing journey saw it transition from Cambridge University Press to Oxford University Press starting with Volume 31, a move that broadened its reach and distribution capabilities.

Microscopy and Microanalysis

This section serves as an excerpt from the esteemed journal, Microscopy and Microanalysis .

Microscopy and Microanalysis stands as a premier peer-reviewed scientific journal , dedicated to publishing original research that pushes the boundaries of knowledge in the fields of microscopy , imaging, and compositional analysis. Its coverage is comprehensive, delving into a wide spectrum of techniques including electron microscopy , fluorescence microscopy , atomic force microscopy , and the intricacies of live-cell imaging.

The journal’s inception dates back to February 1995. For its initial run, up to Volume 29, it was published by Cambridge University Press . During this period, all articles were first made available online through The Cambridge Core section, known as FirstView. Subsequently, from Volume 29 onwards, the publication responsibilities were assumed by Oxford University Press . According to the metrics provided by the Journal Citation Reports , the journal’s 2019 impact factor was a notable 3.414, a testament to its influence and the significance of the research it publishes.

Microscopy Listserver

The Microscopy Listserver, accessible via link 12 , functions as a dynamic, network-based discussion forum. It provides members of the scientific community with a centralized Internet address, a digital nexus where questions, comments, and answers pertaining to the diverse fields of Microscopy or Microanalysis can be swiftly disseminated via electronic mail to a subscribed list of individuals. This invaluable service boasts over 3,000 subscribers hailing from more than 40 countries across six continents, all actively participating in daily discussions. The Listserver, founded by the visionary Nestor J. Zaluzec , continues under his stewardship, offering a vital platform for scientific exchange. It is co-sponsored, in part, by the Microscopy Society of America.

Since its establishment in 1993, the Listserver has meticulously maintained a searchable archive of all posted emails, encompassing questions, comments, and responses. Every two months, a curated selection of contributions from the Listserver is featured in the archives of Microscopy-Today link 13 .

For the purposes of this forum, the umbrella terms “Microscopy” and “Microanalysis” are interpreted to encompass all techniques that utilize a probe—be it photons (including x-rays), electrons, ions, mechanical forces, and/or electromagnetic radiation—to generate a representation or characterization of the microstructure, both internal and external, of any material. This broad definition applies to applications in both the physical and life sciences.

Among the myriad techniques commonly associated with this expansive field are:

• Optical microscopy
• X-ray microscopy
• Scanning electron microscopy
• Transmission electron microscopy
• Atomic force microscopy
• Scanning tunneling microscopy
• Scanning ion microscopy
• Analytical electron microscopy
• High resolution electron microscopy*
• Intermediate/high voltage electron microscopy
• Electron microprobe analyzers
• X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy
• Electron energy loss spectroscopy
• …and many others.

Participation in this forum is entirely free of charge. The only implicit requirement is active engagement in any discussion where one has a question, comment, or contribution to offer.

While unsolicited commercial advertising is strictly prohibited, brief announcements regarding educational or training courses are permitted, albeit on a highly restricted basis.

In adherence to US Public Law 108-187, commonly known as the CAN-SPAM Act, only subscribers and active posters receive email copies of Listserver postings. Non-subscribers are, however, welcome to browse the archives.

Notable People

The annals of the Microscopy Society of America are graced by numerous individuals whose contributions have significantly shaped the field. Among them are:

• Thomas F. Anderson : A distinguished biophysical chemist and geneticist, he held the esteemed position of President of the Electron Microscope Society of America in 1955.
• M. Grace Burke : A prominent materials scientist, she was elected President of the Microscopy Society of America in 2005.
• C. Barry Carter : A respected professor of material science, he served as President of the Microscopy Society of America in 1997.
• Thomas Eugene Everhart : An influential educator and physicist, he was elected President of the Electron Microscopy Society of America in 1977.
• Robert Glaeser : A noted biochemist, he was elected President of the Electron Microscopy Society of America in 1986.
• Ernest Lenard Hall : A distinguished university professor, he assumed the presidency of the Microscopy Society of America in 2013.
• David Harker : A dedicated medical researcher, he was elected President of the Electron Microscope Society of America in 1946.
• Étienne de Harven : A pathologist and accomplished electron microscopist, he served as President of the Electron Microscopy Society of America in 1976.
• James Hillier : A pioneering scientist and inventor, instrumental in the commercialization of the first electron microscope alongside Albert Prebus, he was elected President of the Electron Microscope Society of America in 1945.
• Deborah F. Kelly : A living legend in the field, this biomedical engineer and university professor was elected President of the Microscopy Society of America in 2022.
• Michael A. O’Keefe : A physicist of considerable renown, he was elected President of the Microscopy Society of America in 2007.
• David W. Piston : A physicist whose work has garnered significant attention, he served as President of the Microscopy Society of America in 2010.
• Keith R. Porter : A pivotal figure in cell biology, he held the presidential office of the Electron Microscope Society of America in both 1962 and 1990.
• David J. Smith : An experimental physicist with a distinguished career, he was elected President of the Microscopy Society of America in 2009.
• Robley C. Williams : A respected biophysicist and virologist , he was elected President of the Electron Microscope Society of America in 1951.
• Ralph Walter Graystone Wyckoff : A chemist and a foundational pioneer in X-ray crystallography , he was elected President of the Electron Microscope Society of America in 1950.
• Nestor J. Zaluzec : A scientist and inventor of considerable ingenuity, he was elected President of the Microscopy Society of America in 2011.