This year marks the 70th anniversary of the organizational meeting that led to what is now the Microscopy Society of America. From its beginnings as a group of electron microscope builders and users, the Society has grown to embrace the science and application of all microscopy and microanalysis techniques used in the physical and life sciences. The Society's publishing activities evolved from the innovative annual meeting proceedings with two-page papers 45 years ago to today's popular journal, proceedings, and trade magazine published for MSA by Cambridge University Press. Below are a few important milestonesFootnote * for the Society.
1942 First National Conference on Electron Microscopy (Chicago)
1950 First meeting with an organized instrument exhibition (Detroit)
1951 Local Affiliate Societies organized
1967 First published proceedings of the Society's annual meeting
1971 EMSA Bulletin begins publication
1971 Placement Office opens for business (then called the Statistical Office)
1975 First MSA Distinguished Scientist and Burton Awards presented
1978 Certification program for microscopy technologists begins
1992 First woman MSA president (Patricia Calarco)
1992 Project MICRO, MSA's science outreach program for middle schools, begins
1993 Society name changed to the Microscopy Society of America
1995 Microscopy and Microanalysis begins publication under its former title
1995 Name of annual meeting becomes Microscopy & Microanalysis
2002 Microscopy Today acquired by MSA
2009 MSA Fellows program inaugurated
2010 Microscopy Today Innovation Award program begins
As the Microscopy Society of America moves forward, it remains true to its mission: the promotion and advancement of techniques and applications of microscopy and microanalysis in all relevant scientific disciplines. Of all the scientific societies on Earth, the Microscopy Society of America must surely be about the best bargain there is. Join us.
