24/01/2005

The “Microscopic Analysis of Matter” thematic network is the first attempt to exchange know-how in order to interconnect the laboratories of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), involved in electron microscopy research in the fields of materials science and biological sciences. This network is part of the thematic research networks funded by the AUTh Research Committee for the purpose of improving the connection between the AUTh research groups and the international research community.

Seven AUTh laboratories, more than 50 teaching or research personnel and more than 300 students work on electron microscopy. In particular, the network includes: the Electron Microscopy Laboratory (Physics Department), the Scanning Electron Microscopy Laboratory (interdepartmental), the Electron Microscopy Laboratory (Polytechnic School), the Histology, Embryology and Anthropology Laboratory (Medical Department), the General Biology Laboratory (Biology Department), the Botany Laboratory (Biology Department) and the Pathological Anatomy Laboratory (Veterinary Medicine Department).

The presentation and promotion of the laboratories as a group aims at improving their contact with the industry, the business world and society in general, so that the services offered by the AUTh electron microscopy laboratories and the potential uses of microscopy for scientific and technological progress can become more widely known. The first presentation of the network took place at an AUTh event, on 17 December 2004.

Since its birth, in 1933, electron microscopy is our only “tool” by which we “look” at matter, both internally and externally, at the microscopic and nanoscopic level. Structural imperfections in metals, which define their mechanical properties, or in semiconductors, defining their electronic properties, early diagnoses of carcinogenesis and other pathological conditions in humans, animals and plants: these are only a few of the many applications of electron microscopy today.

The thematic network operates in the two major electron microscopy techniques: transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Its scope also includes all types of high-resolution microscopy, such as atomic force microscopy.

Source: “Microscopic analysis of matter” thematic network