The DSTI–NRF Centre for High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (CHRTEM) at Nelson Mandela University proudly celebrates 15 years of advancing aberration-corrected electron microscopy in Africa. Since its establishment in 2011, the Centre has become a cornerstone of national research infrastructure, enabling world-class scientific discoveries, supporting hundreds of postgraduate students, fostering international collaborations, and developing the next generation of microscopy researchers. To mark this important milestone, CHRTEM will host a series of events from 12–15 October 2026, bringing together leading scientists, industry partners, government representatives, alumni and the broader microscopy community.

On the morning of 14 October, the focus shifts to a Special Anniversary Symposium in collaboration with the DSTI and NRF, celebrating fifteen years of scientific excellence and reflecting on the impact of CHRTEM on research and innovation in South Africa and across the African continent. The symposium will showcase landmark scientific achievements enabled by the Centre, highlight the evolution of advanced microscopy over the past decade and a half, and provide a vision for the future of national research infrastructure and emerging microscopy capabilities.

 
Special Anniversary Symposium
Date: 14 October
Time: 9am to 1pm
Venue: Science Centre, Ocean Sciences Campus
Details: Tea Break and Lunch will be provided. Interested guests will be allowed to tour the CHRTEM facilities at 1pm.