An Introduction to the Croatian Microscopy Society

The origins of the Croatian Microscopy Society (CMS) can be traced back to 1983, when the Section for Electron Microscopy was established within the Croatian Society of Natural History at the initiative of Prof. Zvonimir Devidé, the first head of the Section. What began as a small group of enthusiasts meeting in Zagreb to exchange experience and knowledge has, over the past four decades, developed into a successful national society that brings together scientists, educators, and microscopy professionals from across Croatia.

Following Croatia’s independence, the Society became autonomous in 1992 as the Croatian Society for Electron Microscopy, and in 2006 changed its name to the current one to reflect its broad interest in all types of microscopy. Today, the Croatian Microscopy Society proudly unites scientists working with light, electron, and scanning probe microscopy, as well as those developing and applying correlative and advanced imaging techniques.

Our mission is to promote the science and application of microscopy in research, education, and the wider community through the following goals:

• Supporting research excellence: Assisting scientists and professionals who use microscopy in biological, biomedical, and materials science research.
• Promoting education and collaboration: Organising workshops, seminars, and congresses that bring together experts from different fields and facilitate the sharing of knowledge.
• Supporting young scientists: Providing opportunities for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers to present their work, network internationally, and develop their careers.
• Promoting public engagement: Bringing microscopy closer to the public through outreach activities, school workshops, and public events that highlight the beauty and importance of the microscopic world.

CMS has been a member of the European Microscopy Society (EMS) since 1995 and, since 1998, a full member of the International Federation of Societies for Microscopy (IFSM). Over the years, the Society has hosted numerous national and international meetings, such as the Croatian Microscopy Congress series and the 17th Multinational Congress on Microscopy (17MCM) in Rovinj in 2017, held for the first time in Croatia.

The Society currently has over 200 members and regularly holds monthly and annual meetings, scientific and educational workshops, and public outreach activities across the country. The spirit of connection and collaboration that characterised its early days continues today, enhanced by modern technologies and active communication through online platforms and social media.

Not only are our members passionate about advancing scientific imaging, but they are also eager to share this passion with the next generation. Through science outreach activities and hands-on workshops such as “MicroscopIJa”, we introduce children and citizens to the fascinating world of microscopy and the STEM disciplines in general.

As our founding members once said, “Microscopy will always be something special.” The Croatian Microscopy Society remains dedicated to this vision, connecting people, popularising science, and revealing the invisible world beyond the limits of our eyes.

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