Microscopy Society of America Microscopy Society of America
The Microscopy society of America (MSA) is an organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of the knowledge of the science and practice of all microscopical imaging, analysis and diffraction techniques useful for elucidating the ultrastructure and function of materials in diverse areas of biological, materials, medical, and physical sciences. The MSA strives to not only advance the field of microscopy in all scientific and engineering endeavors, but also bring the art and science of microscopy to the public. The Society is unique in that biological and physical scientists, industrial and clinical workers, technologists, and students all benefit from membership and can exchange information on techniques and instrumentation common to a broad range of studies.
In 1942, in the early days of the development of electron microscopy, a small group of scientists and engineers founded The Electron Microscope Society of America (EMSA). Shortly thereafter the name was changed to The Electron Microscopy Society of America. Over the years, the Society has not only grown in size, but has broadened the scope to cover all areas of microscopy. In 1993, the name of the Society was changed to The Microscopy Society of America to better reflect and encompass the diversity of microscopies and associated techniques that have evolved in the last fifty years. In addition to instrumentation and techniques, the Society is concerned with a wide range of applications in both physical and biological sciences, as well as the development and use of all forms of microscopy, imaging, and compositional analysis.
Currently there are over 5,000 members, including about 450 student members. The membership reflects a healthy balance among all aspects of the field. The Society is particularly interested in encouraging the activities of young scientists, and offers scholarships reduced annual dues to students. As described below, the Society holds an Annual Meeting, often in conjunction with other societies, and carries out a number of activities and services for its members throughout the year. The Society represents the profession in public affairs, and serves as a center for education and information dissemination for microscopy-related knowledge. In addition, there are many meetings and activities organized by the 30 Locally Affiliated Societies.
The MSA is an internationally recognized professional society and is the worlds largest organization concerned with microscopy. Specific benefits include:
In Addition, members benefit from MSA's affiliation with the American Physical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the International Federation of Societies for Electron Microscopy.
The MSA has four distinct types of membership:
There is also a Student membership available for full-time students.
The MSA is formally affiliated with 30 local and regional societies throughout the United States. Most of these groups meet several times a year, providing additional opportunities for professional interaction. MSA encourages its members to join and participate actively in the Local Affiliated Societies.
The MSA is a member of the International Federation of Societies for Electron Microscopy (IFSEM) and as such has contact with societies from many countries. In conjunction with the IFSEM, the MSA has organized several international meetings even larger in scope and attendance than the Annual Meetings.
The MSA has a standing International Commitee that is active in establishing contacts with individual microscopists and societies throughout the world, particularly in developing countries. Commitee members have organized and participated in exchanges between scientists from the Society and scientists in other countries such as China, Korea and Venezuela. The committee has provided support to foreign scientists wanting to attend the MSA Annual Meeting, and upon request from a foreign country, supported sending a senior USA scientist to visit. It also provides complementary subscriptions of the MSA Journal to national and regional societies of limited financial means who have requested them.
The MSA operates a widely recognized program for examining and certifying the competence of electron microscope technologists in biological sciences. MSA certification is a respected attainment, and often is advantageous in matters of employment classification, relocation, and advancement.