Pre-Congress Courses

Free for registered attendees.

1. Biological Sample Preparation for Electron Microscopy

Date: November 15–16, 2025
Schedule:

  • Nov 15: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM (5 hours)
  • Nov 16: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (3 hours)
    Total Duration: 8 hours (combined theory and practice)

Description:
This course covers fundamental concepts of electron microscopy and the theory and practice of preparing biological samples for both Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Topics include conventional methods such as chemical fixation, dehydration, resin embedding, ultramicrotomy (TEM), along with critical point drying and metallization (SEM). Theoretical sessions will delve into the rationale behind each step, while hands-on activities will let participants observe the full technical workflow in the laboratory.

Target Audience: Students, technicians, and researchers seeking training in basic electron microscopy sample preparation techniques.
Instructor: Victor Midlej, Public Health Researcher at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ).
Capacity: 15 participants


2. Advanced Characterization via Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Complementary Techniques for Metallic Alloys and Interfaces

Date: November 16, 2025
Schedule: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Total Duration: 6 hours (lecture-based)

Description:
Taught by Conrado R. M. Afonso, this course is tailored for undergraduate and graduate students, technicians, and specialists aiming to advance their understanding of TEM and associated techniques (STEM-EDS, HRTEM, EFTEM, ETD, and ASTAR). Through case studies, participants will explore experiment design, parameter optimization, and data interpretation for advanced material characterization. Topics include:

  • TEM imaging modes (bright-field/dark-field, STEM, HRTEM)
  • Electron diffraction (SAD, NBD, EDT)
  • Analytical microscopy (EDS, EELS)
  • Applications in metallic alloys (e.g., nanoprecipitates, thin films, interfaces)

Target Audience: Students and professionals working with electron microscopy.
Instructor: Conrado R. M. Afonso


3. Image Processing and Analysis – From Classical Techniques to the Impact of Artificial Intelligence

Date: November 15–16, 2025
Schedule:

  • Nov 15: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM (6 hours)
  • Nov 16: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (3 hours)
    Total Duration: 9 hours (theory and software demonstrations)

Description:
Led by Sidnei Paciornik, this course introduces the principles of image processing and analysis (IPA), progressing from classical methodologies to the revolutionary role of Artificial Intelligence (including deep learning convolutional neural networks). The theoretical content is complemented by demonstrations using open-source software (such as FIJI/ImageJ) and real-world examples.

Target Audience: Students and professionals in microscopy.
Prerequisites: Basic computer skills (recommended but not mandatory).
Instructor: Sidnei Paciornik, Full Professor, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, PUC-Rio.


4. Fundamentals of Scanning Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis

Date: November 15–16, 2025
Schedule: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (both days)
Total Duration: 12 hours (lecture-based)

Description:
This course by Karla Balzuweit covers the core principles of SEM and microanalysis, spanning electron-matter interaction, image formation, resolution, EDS/WDS, diffraction (EBSD/TKD), and advanced applications (e.g., in-situ SEM, environmental SEM). Participants will acquire the skills needed to design experiments, configure parameters, and interpret data accurately.

Target Audience: Students and professionals in electron microscopy.
Instructor: Karla Balzuweit


5. Fundamentals of Transmission Electron Microscopy

Date: November 16, 2025
Schedule: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM & 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Total Duration: 8 hours (combined theory and practice)

Description:
Jefferson Bettini’s course explores TEM fundamentals, ranging from elastic/inelastic scattering and contrast mechanisms to advanced techniques (including diffraction, spectroscopy, aberration correction, tomography, and 4D-STEM). Practical components will equip participants to optimize experiments and analyze results for materials research.

Target Audience: Students and professionals in electron microscopy.
Instructor: Jefferson Bettini