National microscopy society aims to boost science in Wales

A national Society to support microscopy in Wales and strengthen scientific collaboration across the country was launched in Cardiff yesterday evening (Tuesday 19 May).

Cymdeithas Figrosgopical Cymru/The Welsh Microscopical Society (WMS) officially came into being at a special networking event bringing together microscope users, researchers, industry representatives and other key stakeholders. Chief Scientific Advisor for the Welsh Government, Professor Jas Pal Badyal FRS, also gave a talk at the launch, which took place at Aberdare Hall.

The aim of the WMS is to unite the microscopy community across Wales, showcase national research infrastructure and foster collaboration across research, industry, education, and public engagement.

Endorsing the new society, Professor Badyal said: “One of our strengths in Wales is that, because we are a relatively small nation, there is a real opportunity for close collaboration and increasing the visibility of the excellent work that is taking place here.

“Microscopy is at the absolute heart of science, and contributes so much to society - for example through medicines, healthcare, computer chips and other products. Initiatives like the WMS have the potential to benefit the people of Wales, not just through research, but also by boosting industry and economic growth.”

“Unlocking potential”

Wales has significant microscopy expertise distributed across major institutes, but until now, has lacked a regional national network such as the Royal Microscopical Society (RMS) Microscopy Society of Ireland (MSI) or Scottish Microscopy Society (SMS).

The idea for the WMS grew out of a question posed by a Welsh - American RMS member: how can we help make Wales a scientific powerhouse? The country is often an undervalued and less well-known part of the UK in terms of what is available for the scientific community, and there is significant potential to be unlocked as a result. 

Myfanwy Adams, a post-doctoral scientist and founding committee member for the WMS, said: “Microscopy and its associated imaging technologies underpin research and innovation across numerous sectors. Establishing this society is critical to unify a highly skilled but geographically dispersed community.

“Wales already has exceptional expertise and facilities. We hope to create a platform that supports collaboration, strengthens advocacy, and helps develop the infrastructure, visibility, and long-term resilience needed to support research and development across the life sciences, physical sciences, and wider STEM landscape in Wales.”

Next steps

The WMS is being launched with administrative support from the RMS, but is envisaged as an independent, member-based Society, with its own decision-making body. Those attending the launch either in person or virtually, are now part of a growing database of interested members, and further work to increase the new society's membership base will take place in due course.