Science Sections

To help ensure we remain at the forefront of advancements and developments in microscopy and are able to provide the best in training and resources, the Society is advised by it's scientific section committees.

The different scientific section committees cover the main branches of microscopy; news events and committee information in your field can be found below.

Join a Committee

AFM and Scanning Probe Microscopies

Formerly known as Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM), the section was established in 2012 to give recognition to a well-defined community of microscopists worldwide, and provide a support network for a number of world-leading companies in the sector. The committee are particularly keen to hear from and engage with PhD students.

Data Analysis in Imaging

The goal of the Data Analysis in Imaging Section is to support and develop the Image Analysis community in the UK and the application of this science to the field of microscopy in all its forms.

Electron Microscopy

The RMS Electron Microscopy Section was founded in 1965 and serves to foster interest in all types of electron microscopy and analysis in academia and industry in the UK and beyond.

Engineering, Physical & Material Sciences

The Engineering, Physical & Material Sciences section is dedicated to serving the interests of the wide-ranging community of physical scientists and engineers who apply microscopic and focused beam techniques to the study of: atomic and nanoscale phenomena; matters and the properties of matter; physical and chemical processes; the fabrications of devices and products.

Flow Cytometry

The Flow Cytometry Section was established specifically to encourage communication between cytometrists in both clinical and research laboratories.

Life Sciences

The Life Sciences Section was formed to represent all aspects of the use of the microscope in cell biology. Although it continues to promote the science of the microscopical localisation of substances in cells and tissues, it is now focused on cell biological aspects of the subject. The special interests of the section include the use of the microscope to study the behaviour of cells and the behaviour of ions, molecules and organelles within living cells.

Royal Microscopical Society LML8 (Light Sheet)

Light Microscopy

The Light Microscopy Section was founded in 1979 to cater for all optical microscopists, and especially those with an interest in innovative techniques.

Early Career Committee

The Early Career Committee is for students, postdocs and early career imaging scientists. It aims to focus on career development of RMS members through pre-congress workshops, industrial tours, networking events and more

Outreach Section

The Outreach Activities of the Society are overseen by a group of members drawn from the various Science Sections as well as the wider microscopy and education community. Our Outreach programme helps anyone with an interest in microscopy, from school children to those who work in microscopy every day.

History Committee

Since it's inaugural meeting in 2015, the History Committee has been tasked with compiling historical timelines, overseeing the RMS collections and managing the RMS archives.