The Advanced Centre for Materials Science (ACMS) at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) hosted a one-day workshop, Advances in Microscopy (AIM)-2025 – Optical Imaging Across the Scales. The event brought together more than 90 participants, including students, research scholars, technical staff, faculty, and industry professionals from India as well as abroad. Zeiss India was the industry partner of the workshop.

The workshop provided a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge optical microscopy methods, ranging from confocal microscopy to super-resolution and single-molecule imaging. Participants also gained valuable hands-on experience in live-cell imaging, bridging theory with practice. The program fostered meaningful interactions between academia and industry, and helped participants build a strong foundation in advanced imaging technologies that are transforming research in life sciences and materials science.

The event was inaugurated by Prof. Anish Upadhyaya, Head of ACMS at IIT Kanpur, who highlighted the Centre’s contributions to the scientific community at IIT Kanpur and beyond. “ACMS reflects IIT Kanpur’s commitment to supporting researchers not only within the campus but across academia, industry, and national laboratories,” Prof. Upadhyaya remarked. He also outlined the Centre’s state-of-the-art facilities, which include Live-Cell Imaging and Two-Photon Microscopy, an advanced Electron Microscopy Lab, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, and specialized sample preparation laboratories. These facilities, he emphasized, cater to a wide range of research needs across disciplines.“Our goal is to empower researchers with cutting-edge technologies and the expertise needed to drive innovation in critical scientific domains and contribute to the growth of research at IITK,” he added. Prof. Upadhyaya also expressed gratitude to the institute administration for their strong and continued support in maintaining and expanding ACMS’s high-end instrumentation capabilities. Prof Kantesh Balani, Head MSE, Prof Ashwani Thakur, Head, BSBE, and Prof Amitabha Bandyopadhyay, senior professor BSBE, also graced the inaugural session.

The workshop also highlighted the capabilities of ACMS’s state-of-the-art Live-Cell Imaging Facility, showcasing its wide-ranging applications in life sciences, chemistry, and materials science. Prof. Nitin Mohan, Coordinator of the facility, delivered the opening lecture titled “Overview of Optical Imaging – From Magnifying Lenses to Super-Resolution Microscopy”, tracing the evolution of imaging technologies. A series of expert-led sessions followed, providing participants with in-depth insights into advanced microscopy methods and their applications. Prof. Rakesh Kumar Majhi from the Department of BSBE, IIT Kanpur, presented a case study on the “Challenges in Microscopy of Non-adherent Cells.” Mr. Rishikant from Zeiss India delivered a lecture on the “Optical Sectioning Technique” and shared practical considerations in confocal and live-cell imaging. Prof. Venkata Jayasurya Yallapragada from the Department of Physics at IIT Kanpur spoke on “Studying Small Light Emitters and Scatterers using Optical Microscopy.” The lecture sessions concluded with Prof. Dibyendu Kumar Das from BSBE, IIT Kanpur, who discussed the use of Single-Molecule Imaging in Understanding the Virus Life Cycle. Mr. Rishikant from Zeiss India and Mr Ravindra Agnihotri from ACMS IIT Kanpur led the hands-on training sessions on live-cell imaging.

About IIT Kanpur:

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, holds the distinction of being recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has made significant contributions to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts a rich array of academic and research resources. The institute comprises 19 departments, 26 centers, three interdisciplinary programs, and two specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur continues to be a leader in fostering innovation and academic rigor.

For more information, please visit www.iitk.ac.in.