21st International Microscopy Congress (IMC21): One Year to Go!
The countdown is underway for the 21st International Microscopy Congress (IMC21), with just one year to go before the hotly anticipated event gets underway in the vibrant city of Liverpool, UK.
The event, known as the ‘Olympics of Microscopy’, is being organised by the Royal Microscopical Society (RMS), working in partnership with the International Federation of Societies for Microscopy (IFSM) and the University of Liverpool. It will take place at the superb ACC Liverpool venue, overlooking the city’s iconic waterfront.
Held every four years since 1954 and attracting hundreds of delegates from across the globe, the Congress features world-renowned plenary speakers alongside an extensive trade exhibition with leading companies launching groundbreaking new instruments.
Exhibition stands are due to go on sale in the coming weeks, overseen by the RMS Exhibitions team.
Young Scientist Assembly (YSA/ECR) and other features
In addition to a blockbuster, five-day scientific programme, a prominent feature of IMC21 will be the Young Scientist Assembly (YSA) - for all Early Career Researchers (ECRs) - which will include a social day out and networking dinner on Saturday 29 August 2026, followed by a full-day meeting on the Sunday.
Other pre-congress workshops will be taking place on 30 August, followed by a Welcome Reception. A Gala Dinner will also be taking place on Wednesday 2 September.
RMS Chief Executive Sali Davis said: "We are very honoured - and of course, excited - to be providing the organisational support for IMC21, which is such an important meeting for the global microscopy community. Our team has a wealth of experience in delivering international events of this nature, and we are working closely with the IFSM, University of Liverpool, and the scientific organisers to ensure we can put on the best possible event next year.”
Save the date: The 21st International Microscopy Congress (IMC21) takes place at ACC Liverpool, Liverpool, UK, from 31 August - 4 September 2026, with pre-congress events taking place on 30 August.
Other key upcoming dates:
• October 2025 Publication of Call for Abstracts
• December 2025 Open online Abstract submission (talks and posters)
• December 2025 Open online registration