Overview of the Annual Meeting of JSM

WELCOME

Dear Colleagues,

    On behalf of the Organizing Committee, it is a great honor and pleasure to welcome you to Osaka, Japan for the 69th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Microscopy (JSM) held at Hotel Hankyu Expo Park, Osaka on May 20–22 2013. As you may know, JSM was founded in 1949 and has been going strong for over 60 years.
    Science and technology in microscopy has advanced greatly in recent years. We now enjoy a large variety of microscopic techniques using electrons, light, and ions, regardless of whether the probes use waves or particles. Along with these new imaging techniques, recent emphasis has also been on the control of specimen environment. From gases at atmospheric pressure to liquids, these new environmental controls will allow us to observe live specimens more accurately than before. With the recent advances in microscopy technology, new scientific and technological fields from materials science to biology are on the horizon. So for this occasion, we decided that the theme of the forthcoming meetings should be:

"Microscopy: Cutting-edge technology opening up new fields".

    During this meeting, we welcome foreign researchers/microscopists to join us in discussing their findings regarding cutting-edge techniques in modern electron microscopy at the sub-nanometer level. We are also interested in findings, especially those based on new theories, regarding high resolution imaging far beyond the theoretical resolution for light microscopy. Exhibitors are also welcome to introduce their state-of-the-art microscopy and related technology and materials.
    JSM plans to publish a new journal, Microscopy, starting January 2013, as a replacement for the legendary Journal of Electron Microscopy. This new journal will be published in conjunction with Oxford University Press. The 69th Annual Meeting will celebrate the launch of this new journal.
    Under the theme "Microscopy: Cutting-edge technology opening up new fields", we expect to deliver a number of exciting programs, including oral and poster presentations by more than 800 members, special sessions (lectures by the JSM Seto Prize Winners and honorary lecturers), workshops, tutorial sessions, and exhibitions by many supporting companies involved in microscopy. A banquet will be held on the second day (May 21). We also plan a public lecture, on May 19 (Sunday), at the venue to share these exciting microscopic techniques with students and the general public, where participants will be able to observe many interesting specimens under light and electron microscopes.
    Finally, I would like to emphasize that throughout Japan's long history, Osaka has led this nation with its unique characteristics, ranging from political power and its economy to its sophisticated cultural attributes such as the Japanese tea ceremony and Bunraku puppetry. During your stay here, we hope you touch the heart of Osaka while learning about cutting edge technology in microscopy.
    The Organizing Committee members of the 69th Annual Meeting of the JSM and the people of Osaka welcome you and wish you a pleasant stay.

Professor Seiji Takeda
Chairperson, 69th Annual Meeting of JSM
ISIR, Osaka University