TU Dublin Hosts Landmark 50-Year Celebration of the Microscopy Society of Ireland
On Friday, 10th April 2026, TU Dublin marked a significant milestone by hosting the 50th anniversary celebration of the Microscopy Society of Ireland (MSI) in the Central Quad. The event, organised by TU Dublin Research and Innovation alongside the Centre for Radiation and Environmental Science (RESC), brought together a vibrant cross-section of Ireland’s microscopy community.
Attendees included researchers, technical and core facility staff, PhD candidates, and early career researchers from leading institutions such as TU Dublin, University of Galway, University of Limerick, Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and Forensic Science Ireland. Industry partners from across the microscopy sector were also in attendance, reflecting the collaborative strength of the field across academia and industry.
A highlight of the morning session was the Annual Rory Comerford Lecture, delivered by Professor Michelle Peckham from the University of Leeds. Her lecture, focusing on the history of microscopy, offered a compelling overview of the field’s evolution and its transformative impact on science.
This was followed by a dynamic fireside chat featuring Professor Peckham alongside Dr Kerry Thompson (MSI President, University of Galway), Dr Claire O’Connell (Irish Times), Dr Calum Dickinson of JEOL, and Dr Pierce Maguire from Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland. Moderated by Professor Fiona Lyng (RESC, TU Dublin), the panel explored the role of MSI and the Royal Microscopical Society, career development pathways, and future opportunities and challenges in microscopy innovation.
In the afternoon, early career researchers and PhD students showcased their work during an engaging poster session. The session highlighted cutting-edge research from across Ireland and provided valuable networking opportunities. Poster prizes were awarded to Theo Andrews (Trinity College Dublin), Sara Corbezzolo (Trinity College Dublin), Arturo Grau (TU Dublin; visiting student from Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid), and Diana Eveline Sanchez Amador (Trinity College Dublin). The awards were generously sponsored by Bruker, Mason Technology, the Royal Microscopical Society Early Career Committee, and Professor Michelle Peckham.
The event concluded on a celebratory note with the cutting of a specially commissioned 50th anniversary cake, marking five decades of excellence, collaboration, and innovation within the Microscopy Society of Ireland.