During the 1950s, with the electron microscope fast becoming the characterisation tool par excellence for many scientific and engineering disciplines, the University of Sydney recognised that its academic community needed access to electron microscopy to do quality research. In 1958, in a bold move, the University established a centralised facility – the Electron Microscope Unit – comprising two support staff and the premier microscope of the day, the Siemens Elmiskop I. The Electron Microscope Unit was unique for its time and has since become a model for many advanced microscopy centres at other universities. During the past 50 years, the unit has supported a steadily growing amount and diversity of research, and has developed into an integral part of the University. Today, the Electron Microscope Unit has nearly 30 different microscopes and more than 45 staff members.

This captivating book presents 50 great moments from the past five decades of the Electron Microscope Unit's activities. Blending history and science in an engaging style, 50 Great Moments tells the story of the unit's creation and profiles the key figures that have forged the facility into the success that it is today. The book looks at the instruments, events and achievements that have defined the unit's character and contributed so much to Australian microscopy and microanalysis. Finally, this volume explores some of the important research done by the scientists and engineers who have used the unit's advanced microscopes.

This book makes a fascinating read for those with an interest in the historical development of Australian microscopy and microanalysis, and it will be an important reference for scholars studying the history of our nation's science.