Overview
This one-day workshop aims to bring together the Research Technical Professional (RTP) community working with electron microscopes, associated techniques and facilities to showcase emerging technologies and how these are implemented within their institutions. RTPs attending the workshop will learn about a wide range of electron microscopy and sample preparation techniques, as well as having the opportunity to discuss best practice for facility management, the upkeep of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and how best to share knowledge across the RTP community.
Background and motivation
Electron microscopy is a rapidly evolving field that underpins research across a wide range of scientific disciplines, requiring specialist technical professionals to operate, maintain, and support increasingly sophisticated instrumentation and analytical workflows. With continual advances in imaging, spectroscopy, in situ experimentation, automation, and data analysis, there is a growing need for research technical professionals (RTPs) to remain informed of emerging technologies and best practices.
Through presentations showcasing developments in electron microscopy and associated techniques, alongside discussion of the technical expertise required to implement them effectively, this workshop aims to foster collaboration across the microscopy community and identify opportunities for shared approaches, facility development, and knowledge exchange. Furthermore, supporting RTPs working in electron microscopy requires strong networks for sharing expertise, operational experiences, and practical solutions. Following presentations from RTPs, attendees will have the opportunity to discuss topics such as instrument operation, maintenance strategies, sample preparation workflows, standard operating procedures, data management, and user training.
Audience
This event is open to RTPs and travel can be subsidised for those coming from out of the Greater Manchester area by NTPMI.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Learning outcomes
After the course participants should be able to:
- Identify a range of emerging techniques, technologies, and analytical capabilities in electron microscopy, including advances in imaging, spectroscopy, in situ experimentation, automation, and data analysis.
- Discuss current working methods and best practice for electron microscopy facility management, including instrument maintenance, sample preparation workflows, standard operating procedures (SOPs), user training, and data management.
- Evaluate opportunities for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and resource development across electron microscopy facilities through technical networks, databases, and shared expertise.
- Contribute to a network of Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) within the UK to support the advancement of electron microscopy and the dissemination of best practice.
- Exchange experiences and practical solutions relating to the operation and support of electron microscopy facilities, with the aim of improving service delivery and research outcomes at their home institutions.
Event Details
Date: 17th November 2026
Format: In-person
Location: National Graphene Institute, University of Manchester, 3rd Floor Seminar Space
Cost: Free
Register here
Programme
| Time | Topic | Speaker |
| 09:30 – 10:00 | Arrival and refreshments | |
| 10:00 – 10:15 | Welcome and Introduction | NTPMI/Organising Team |
| 10:15 – 12:00 | Session 1
· An overview of the University of Bath Imaging Facility · University of Manchester FBMH Electron Microscopy · An Introduction to the Leeds Electron Microscopy and Spectroscopy Centre · Seeing More: Microscopy and developments in Cryo-SEM at the MIF · The Bridge at Lincoln: Analysis for Commercial Innovation |
15-minute speaker sessions by:
· Philip Fletcher (Bath) · Alexander Mironov (Manchester) · Richard Walshaw (Leeds) · Owen Gallagher (Liverpool) · Peter Eaton (Lincoln) |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch Break | |
| 13:00 – 14:45 | Session 2
· Data Quality for Materials Characterisation · Rolls Royce Electron Microscopy · Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) of Active and Non-Active Materials in a Lab-Based SEM at DCF · Application Scientists and Electron Microscopy · Cambridge Electron Microscopy |
15-minute speaker sessions by:
· Steven Ravenscroft (NPL) · Albert Smith (Rolls Royce) · Dave Hutchinson (DCF) · Rhys Thomas (Manchester) · Filomena Gallo (Cambridge) |
| 14:45 – 15:15 | Break | Organising Team |
| 15:15 – 15:45 | Panel Discussion
|
Panel chair:
· Ross Nolan Panel: · Richard Walshaw · Owen Gallagher |
| 15:45 – 16:00 | Closing Remarks | Organising Team |
Speakers/trainers
- Richard Collins (Manchester)
- Xinyue Chen (Sheffield)
- Tushar Dandekar (Portsmouth)
- Daniel Bax (Cambridge)
- Gurdeep Singh (Manchester)
- Jen Adcott (Manchester)
- Miley Li (Manchester)
- Domenic Marrone (Manchester)
- Jose Anguita (Surrey)
- Robert Crapnell (MMU)
- Steven Marsden (Manchester)
Organiser
Ross Nolan
November 17 2026
