Welcome to the Microscopy Society of America
WWW General Information Page

Mission Statement
To Promote and to Communicate Advances in Microscopy

------------ Adopted by MSA Council January 1996

History
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 evolvolved 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
MSA Today
Currently there are about 3,000 members, including about 400 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 Local Affiliate Societies.

Membership and Benefits

The MSA is an internationally recognized professional society and is the worlds largest organization concerned with microscopy. Specific benefits include:

  • Advance information and reduced registration fees for the Annual Meeting
  • Access to educational materials, such as videotapes and book lists
  • Access to the Society's electronic communication facilities
  • Reduced prices for a number of books and journals
  • Membership Directory
  • A subscription to the MSA Journal, a high quality journal of scientific articles and the major source of current information about the MSA
  • Reduced fees for application for the Certification Program
  • Eligibility for membership in the Technologists' Forum and other special interest groups

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.

Types of Membership

MSA has five distinct types of membership:

  • Regular members: Open to anyone with a professional interest in microscopy and other related areas.
  • Sustaining members: Available to corporations, institutions, or organizations desiring to support the Society in a special way.
  • Emeritus members:Upon retirement, members with at least 15 years of continuous membership may apply for Emeritus status.
  • Honorary members: is awarded to those who have made distinguished contributions.
  • Student members available for full-time students.

Membership Application Form
Local Affiliated Societies
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 Affiliate Societies.

Certification for Technologists
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.

For Further Information
MSA Business Office
230 East Ohio Street, Suite 400
Chicago, IL 60611-3265
Toll-free: 1-800-538-3672
Tel: 312-644-1527
Fax: 312-644-8557
Email: BusinessOffice@msa.microscopy.org