Reflections on a Productive Week at MC2025 in Karlsruhe

I’ve just returned from a wonderful week in Karlsruhe, Germany, where I had the honor of delivering a keynote presentation at the Microscopy Conference 2025 (MC2025). I am deeply grateful to the organizing committee for the invitation and the opportunity to share our latest work with such a distinguished audience.

The conference was a fantastic showcase of the latest advancements in our field. Beyond my own presentation, it was invigorating to hear from the other speakers and to witness the remarkable quality of research being conducted globally. These gatherings are invaluable for fostering our scientific community, and I particularly enjoyed the chance to connect with many collaborators, both longstanding and new. Engaging with the talented students and early-career professionals who represent the future of microscopy was a true highlight.

A special part of my trip was the opportunity to visit the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). I was thoroughly impressed by their unique and state-of-the-art research facilities, which are a testament to their commitment to cutting-edge science and engineering. Seeing this infrastructure firsthand provides a powerful perspective on the innovative work emerging from the institution.

This productive and inspiring week would not have been possible without the generosity of my hosts. My sincere thanks go to Christian Kübel, Ali Ahmadian, Rasmus Schroeder, Yolita Eggler, Astrid Pundt, and the many other gracious hosts for their time, hospitality, and stimulating discussions. I return to NREL energized and look forward to the future collaborations that will undoubtedly emerge from this visit.