Selection of microscopes for student use involves many factors. The microscopes must stand up to daily use by students with little experience, be constantly up and running, and fit the budget requirements. Especially with student microscopes, practical aspects can be important. Thus, size, weight, cabling, and design should be taken into consideration even before the microscope and its accessories enter the decision process. If chosen carefully, educational microscopes can delight young minds in schools and universities, and, ideally, the experience will fascinate them enough that they decide to make science their profession.

Preparation of electron-transparent thin specimens can be costly in terms of time and is often challenging. Materials and products are becoming more complex, and device components are getting smaller each year. On the other hand, analysis and diagnostic methods become more exacting. Lack of time and high costs for diagnostics force companies to speed up, simplify, and customize the analysis process. Ultra-short-pulsed laser-based sample preparation can speed up the process and make possible new sample geometries. This article shows the advantages of this technology and how it can be used to prepare TEM lamellas (H-Bar) and multiple APT tips or pillars.

A new program has been established by the Microscopy Society of America (MSA) to provide funding for bold, new, strategic initiatives that further the goals of the Microscopy Society of America and the fields of microscopy, microanalysis, and imaging in general. Three bold, new initiatives won initial funding for 2019: a proposal to fund an international micrograph competition, an initiative to set up an MSA Student Council web presence to host web events targeted to microscopy students and developing professionals, and a plan to provide a uniform template and hosting service for MSA Local Affiliated Societies.