Name: 2026 MSC·SMC Meeting
Start: 2026-05-25T12:00:00Z
End: 2026-05-29T22:00:00Z
Location: McGill University

Working Lunch 'Inclusion in Microscopy' on May 26th 2026

Microscopy grants us access to the hidden architecture of the natural and engineered world — but it is the people behind the instruments who truly bring the field to life. The researchers who design experiments, interpret results, and share discoveries with the broader community are what make microscopy both exciting and transformative.

This interactive ‘lunch and learn’ session invites attendees at all career stages to engage in open, honest conversation about belonging, equity, and inclusion within the microscopy sciences. Whether you are a graduate student attending your first national meeting or a seasoned researcher, this space is designed for you.

Together, we will explore the shared experiences and common threads that support sustained growth — enabling us to do our best work and to strengthen Canada's leadership in areas that include imaging, microscopy, microanalysis and materials characterization. By investing in our community, we invest in the science itself.

No prior experience with diversity and inclusion programming is required — only a willingness to listen, share, and reflect.

This session is proudly sponsored by the Executive of the Microscopy Society of Canada

Student Symposium, May 26th, 13:00-16:00

Microscopy in Quebec: Connecting Students, Facilities, and Innovation

1. Microscopy Facilities in Quebec and Canada. A brief segment will present the microscopy resources available in Quebec and in Canada. Representatives from different microscopy areas (optical, electron, scanning probe, etc.) will be invited to give short talks.

2. Keynote Talks by Experts. Speakers from academia and industry will deliver two keynote presentations on recent advances and applications in microscopy.

3. Student Soundbite Presentations. Students will be invited to present their research, showcasing the diversity of microscopy-related work in different institutions.

4. Outreach and Promotion via InitiaSciences. As mentors with InitiaSciences, we will promote the symposium among its community to encourage participation from high school and university students interested in microscopy.

5. Visual Identity and Social Media Presence. A dedicated event logo will be created, along with LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook pages to share updates and connect participants across Canada.

6. Microscopy-Themed Competitions. To conclude, we will organize friendly microscopy-related competitions such as image analysis, identification challenges, and trivia to engage participants in an interactive way.