International Conference on Advanced Microscopy for Life Sciences and Materials (ICAM-2026)

Founded in 1993 by Jean Trần Thanh Vân, Rencontres du Vietnam is a non-profit organization and an official partner of UNESCO. With a strong commitment to the future of Vietnam, its mission centers on promoting international exchange in science and education—placing particular emphasis on nurturing the next generation of Vietnamese through quality education and global collaboration.

The association aims to support the integration of Vietnamese scientists into the international scientific community while encouraging scientific awareness and a passion for discovery among the youth. By fostering a culture of curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation, Rencontres du Vietnam plays a vital role in strengthening the foundation for Vietnam’s scientific and educational advancement.

Welcoming scientists from around the world, Rencontres du Vietnam serves as a bridge connecting Vietnam with the global scientific landscape. This vision is deeply rooted in a broader tradition of international scientific gatherings initiated by Jean Trần Thanh Vân, beginning with the Rencontres de Moriond in 1966 and the Rencontres de Blois in 1989.

In pursuit of this mission, the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science Education (ICISE) was established in Quy Nhơn, Central Vietnam. ICISE provides a world-class venue where scientists from Asia-Pacific and across the globe come together to share knowledge, inspire young minds, and collaborate on solutions to the scientific and educational challenges of our time.

XXII^nd Rencontres du Vietnam
International Conference on Advanced Microscopy for Life Sciences and Materials (ICAM-LSM 2026)

The International Conference on Advanced Microscopy for Life Sciences and Materials (ICAM-2026), organized by Rencontres du Vietnam and hosted at the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE), aims to bring together leading scientists, early-career researchers, and students to explore the latest advances in microscopy and its applications in nano-biotechnology, life sciences, and materials science. The conference also seeks to promote education and training in microscopy, while fostering a strong collaborative network to develop, share, and expand access to common microscopy facilities across Southeast Asia, Asia-Pacific, and beyond.

Microscopy has long served as a foundation of scientific discovery, profoundly transforming our ability to observe and understand the intricacies of the natural world. From the invention of the optical microscope in the 17th century to the development of today’s cutting-edge methodologies, microscopy continues to push the boundaries of what we can visualize. Recent advancements, such as Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM, including HS-AFM and FM-AFM), Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy (SICM), various forms of Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM, Cryo-ET, SEM, TEM, STEM), super-resolution imaging techniques (e.g., STORM, PALM, SIM, FLIM/FRET, Light Sheet Microscopy (LSM)), and a wide array of correlative approaches (including Optical Tweezer/AFM, OM/AFM, Cryo-AFM/OM, Cryo-FM/Cryo-EM, and time-resolved Cryo-EM)—have vastly extended the capabilities of nanoscale and atomic-level visualization. Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence with microscopy is further accelerating image analysis, pattern recognition, and experimental throughput.

These technologies enable researchers to capture not only static structures but also dynamic biological processes and material behaviors with exceptional spatial and temporal resolution. As a result, advanced microscopy now plays a central role in numerous scientific disciplines—from fundamental investigations in cell and molecular biology to cutting-edge applications in materials science, nanotechnology, and biomedical research. Its impact spans the development of novel therapeutics and diagnostic tools to the engineering of next-generation functional materials.

The invention of the microscope revolutionized science and technology, unveiling a vibrant world invisible to the naked eye. Today, microscopes remain indispensable tools in both research and industry. In life sciences, they enable the visualization of cellular structures, interactions with pathogens, and even individual biomolecules. In clinical settings, they support disease diagnosis. In materials science, microscopy helps characterize morphology, structure, and properties, guiding the optimization of materials for specific applications. In industrial environments, they assist in identifying microscopic defects in electronic components and mechanical parts.

Vietnam, a rapidly developing country with a population nearing 100 million, is making strategic investments in research and development. The rise of nano life science and material R&D programs reflects this commitment. ICAM-2026 will contribute to these efforts by providing a platform for education, knowledge exchange, technological dissemination, training, and international collaboration. The conference is aligned with the theme:

“Frontiers of Microscopy in Understanding Life Sciences and Materials.”

Despite the growing availability of advanced microscopy technologies—such as confocal, electron, and atomic force microscopes—across hospitals, universities, research institutions, and industrial settings in Vietnam, the Microscopy Society of Vietnam (https://vietmicroscopy.vn/) faces significant challenges. Formal education, hands-on training, and structured knowledge dissemination in microscopy remain limited. Most users acquire skills through self-learning or brief equipment demonstrations provided by suppliers, which hinders the effective utilization of these powerful tools for research and innovation. Furthermore, the microscopy user community in Vietnam remains fragmented, lacking a cohesive or common platform for sharing technical expertise, research experiences, and collaborative opportunities. This disconnect has constrained the potential impact of microscopy on scientific advancement and industrial applications within Vietnam and beyond.

ICAM-2026 aims to strengthen Vietnam’s microscopy network, promote knowledge exchange, and enhance connections with Southeast Asia and the global microscopy community. Through collaboration, capacity-building, and increased visibility, the conference will support a sustainable microscopy ecosystem in Vietnam and the Asia-Pacific.

It will bring together experts across disciplines—microscopy, biophysics, materials science, AI, and biology—to share innovations, tackle technical and resource challenges, explore collaboration models, and identify training priorities. By uniting diverse perspectives, ICAM-2026 will drive new cross-disciplinary partnerships and shape the future of microscopy in science and industry.

We warmly invite you to join us for ICAM-2026, taking place February 24–27, 2026, at ICISE in Quy Nhon, Central Vietnam. Accommodated between green mountains and the sea, ICISE offers a peaceful and inspiring environment for scientific exchange. The conference venue is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and is surrounded by coconut-lined paths and a pristine coastline.

We look forward to welcoming you to Quy Nhon and to building a vibrant, collaborative microscopy community in Vietnam and beyond.