The Volume Electron Microscopy GRS provides a unique forum for young doctoral and post-doctoral researchers to present their work, discuss new methods, cutting edge ideas, and pre-published data, as well as to build collaborative relationships with their peers. Experienced mentors and trainee moderators will facilitate active participation in scientific discussion to allow all attendees to be engaged participants rather than spectators.
We are entering an era where large-scale imaging centred on electron microscopy (EM) of cell and tissue ultrastructure in 3D is poised to transform cell biological research. Volume Electron Microscopy (vEM) describes a set of high-resolution imaging techniques that reveal the 3D structure of cells, tissues and small model organisms at nanometre resolutions. Emerging within the past two decades, vEM is generally performed at room temperature on resin-embedded samples, with a focus on automation and throughput. Thus, contrasting traditional EM imaging experiments, vEM ‘pipelines’ quickly generate vast amounts of data and depend on significant computational resources. Not only has this required a re-imagining of sample preparation and image acquisition protocols, but vEM has also spawned a whole sub-specialty in computational research devoted to processing, analysis and quantification of rich image datasets to draw meaningful biological insights. Though the volumes imaged in vEM are relatively large for classical EM, the fundamental trade-off between field of view versus resolution versus speed remains.
The inaugural Volume Electron Microscopy (vEM) Gordon Research Symposium (GRS) is a prestigious international scientific conference that brings together a range of early career researchers to present their cutting-edge findings. The GRS provides a unique opportunity for doctoral, post-doctoral and other early career scientists to present their unpublished research among peers, discuss cutting-edge ideas and techniques for volume electron microscopy, while prioritising time for discussion and networking. This two-day conference will take place over the weekend preceding the Volume Electron Microscopy GRC and will feature a diverse range of speakers in each scientific session. These sessions will be moderated by discussion leaders to facilitate active participation from all attendees. Moreover, we will showcase recent advances in the field spanning new technical developments, analytical methods, and applications in biology. The conference program also includes poster sessions, a social event, and communal meals during which attendees will be encouraged to network in a relaxed setting. Notably, there will be a session devoted to career development in the form of a mentorship panel of established scientists with broad research and career backgrounds. As such, the GRS format allows young scientists to develop a community of peers in the growing volume electron microscopy field by encouraging discussion and collaborations.
This inaugural GRS on Volume Electron Microscopy aims to bring together the next generation of specialists in this fast-growing community to discuss the latest developments in the field, foster exchange of ideas, and stimulate new collaborations. The condensed and focused form of Gordon Research Symposiums is the optimal way to drive this exciting emerging field of technology forward.
Application Instructions
The seminar will feature approximately 10 talks and 2 poster sessions. All attendees are expected to actively participate in the GRS, either by giving an oral presentation or presenting a poster. Therefore, all applications must include an abstract.
The seminar chair will select speakers from abstracts submitted by January 26, 2025. Those applicants who are not chosen for talks and those who apply after the deadline to be considered for an oral presentation will be expected to present a poster. In order to participate, you must submit an application by the date indicated in the Application Information section above.
Program Format
Gordon Research Seminars are 2-day meetings which take place on the Saturday and Sunday just prior to the start of the associated GRC. The GRS opens with a 1-hour introductory session on Saturday afternoon, followed by a poster session, dinner and a 2-hour session in the evening. Sunday morning begins with breakfast and is followed by another 2-hour session, a second poster session, and lunch. A final 1-hour session takes place just after lunch, and the associated GRC begins later that evening.
