IMC21 Preview: Early Career in Focus: The Young Scientist Assembly at IMC21
Walking into a major international congress like the International Microscopy Congress can be an intimidating experience for an early career researcher. It’s easy to feel lost among thousands of delegates and the legendary names from textbooks or papers, and it is often daunting to approach a senior scientist you don’t know. The IFSM Young Scientist Assembly (YSA) exists to break this barrier and help the next generation find their path in the global science community.
Overview by Demie Kepaptsoglou & Jordi Arbiol, Young Scientist Assembly Chairs
Established in 2018 for the IMC19 meeting in Sydney, Australia, the YSA is organised as a pre-meeting of IMC under the auspices of the International Federation of Societies for Microscopy (IFSM). The IFSM’s mission is to contribute to the advancement of microscopy in all its aspects worldwide, and this assembly is the primary platform for supporting the next generation.
The response to the 2026 IMC21 YSA has been incredible, with more than 100 applications for just 50 available places. The selection was really challenging, as the quality of the applications was excellent, but this overwhelming response highlights how much the early career researcher community values this dedicated space. The final 50 young scientists (PhD students and researchers within five years of their doctorate) were selected based on their scientific accomplishments and their IMC21 abstracts, while ensuring geographical and gender balance. We are proud to host a cohort representing 23 different countries, with delegates travelling from as far afield as Australia, Brazil, China, Saudi Arabia and the USA, alongside a strong European presence. This diversity ensures that the assembly is a melting pot of ideas from every corner of the globe and every branch of microscopy.
Breaking Barriers Through Discussion
To spark this new chapter in their careers, the programme features a series of inspiring lectures from leaders who have shaped the field. This year, we are particularly thrilled to include a session with Dr Jessica Wade, from Imperial College London, who will discuss her path towards becoming a science advocate and excelling in science outreach. In today’s academic landscape, the ability to communicate our work and advocate for science is an essential skill. By listening to the personal experiences of established researchers from all around the world, our delegates can see that success in science is rarely a straight line, helping to demystify the path forward.
Beyond the lectures, the YSA features a round-table format designed to facilitate open, honest discussions. By sitting down with senior scientists in a relaxed setting, the meeting aims to break the fear of the unknown and decrease the perceived distance between student and expert. Just as importantly, the YSA allows delegates to meet peers at the same career level from all around the world, representing different walks of life and various career paths. These are the friends who will become future collaborators and, in turn, will eventually inspire the generations of scientists that follow them.
We also believe in celebrating the beauty of our work. Our Imaging Contest is a light-hearted science means art snippet, showcasing the beauty of the microscopic world and reminding us of that curiosity that first led us to see far beyond the reach of the naked eye.
Discovering Liverpool Together
The YSA is as much about community as it is about science. Our social programme gives attendees an overview of this historic city, featuring a live tour bus through Liverpool’s fascinating history and a celebratory dinner at the iconic Victoria Gallery & Museum. By the time the main Congress opens, we hope that these 50 delegates aren't just attendees; they are friends and future colleagues, establishing a connection for the future.
A Spark for the Future
Our hope is that the YSA does more than just help you navigate a week in Liverpool, we hope it will be a catalyst for your future career. Whether you continue in academia, move into industry, or forge a path in outreach, the connections made here are the foundation of a lifelong network. We want you to leave with the realisation that you aren’t just a member of the microscopy community; you are its future.
This meeting was made possible thanks to the support of the IFSM executive board, the Royal Microscopical Society (RMS) and especially the support of Kate Wooding. We are also deeply grateful to all our invited guests and senior scientists who have generously used their own time to come and share their experiences with the YSA attendees. Your mentorship is what makes this assembly possible.