BIMOVIS insights from the Microscopy Conference 2025

Microscopy Conference 2025 (Karlsruhe, 1st-4th September)

One of the most exciting gatherings in this year’s microscopy calendar, the MC2025, was attended by our microscopy scientists Evgenia Zagoriy and Mathias Gschell, and they came back ready to share their insights. The conference brought together researchers, instrument makers, and solution providers to discuss everything from cutting-edge life-science imaging to material characterization, correlative workflows, and smarter data analysis. The overall theme was clear: microscopy is becoming more integrated, automated, and context-driven. Among the many highlights, Cryo-Electron Tomography (Cryo-ET) was a frequent topic. Talks and vendor sessions showcased better Cryo-FIB milling strategies, Cryo-CLEM targeting for more accurate region selection, and end-to-end transfer workflows to keep samples contamination-free. It is cleasr that Cryo-ET continues to stand out for its ability to capture intact cellular architecture in 3D at molecular resolution.

MC2025 Presentation highlights

  • Prof. Daniela Nicastro (UT Southwestern Medical Center) showcased how Cryo-ET can reveal native macromolecular complexes – like motile cilia and pathogen invasion machinery – within their cellular context, showcasing the method’s unmatched spatial fidelity.
  • Dr. René Frank (University of Leeds) highlighted how Cryo-ET can illuminate the native molecular architecture of synapses – especially postsynaptic membranes rich in NMDA receptors. This underlines Cryo-ET’s growing role in investigating complex neural structures in vivo.

 

New trends in structural cell biology

A recurring message at MC2025 was that good sample preparation remains the foundation of meaningful data. Dedicated sessions and hands-on workshops were devoted to optimizing preparation for Cryo-ET, volume EM, and other sensitive modalities. Examples included robotic, blot-free plunge freezing systems like CryoGenium for consistent vitrification, microscopy-enhancing robotics like those from SmarAct, training on volume-EM sample prep “tips & tricks” to improve resin embedding and sectioning, and new protocols for screening TEM grids with 4D-STEM to save valuable microscope time.

In summary, MC2025 made clear that the future of structural cell biology hinges not just on faster detectors or smarter algorithms, but on perfecting how samples reach the microscope in the first place – a message well-received by anyone who has struggled with lamella thickness, targeting precision or ice quality.

Thank you to the organizers, and thanks to our scientists for this great report!

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