Success in the Microscopy Today Micrograph Awards 2025!
A micrograph by scientist Ondřej Ambrož from the research group Microscopy for Materials Science has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious international competition in the category of published micrographs.
„It’s wonderful to see Czech science and the visual presentation of research receiving such recognition on a global level!“ commented Dr. Šárka Mikmeková, head of the research group, who praised not only her colleague’s outstanding achievement but also the growing international impact of the entire team’s work.
So, what do we see in the image and what is Ondra studying?
The micrograph shows the dendritic α-phase of bronze containing 22% tin (commonly known as bell metal), captured using a light microscope in reflected light mode at 200× magnification. The sample was prepared using standard metallographic procedures (cutting, grinding, polishing), and the structure was enhanced by chemical etching based on sulfites. The entire etching process was monitored in situ using a stereomicroscope, and the resulting image was published in the article In situ stereomicroscopy chemical and color etching.
Public voting (People’s Choice Award) is currently underway, and your support would be greatly appreciated:
The results will be announced at the Microscopy & Microanalysis 2025 conference in Salt Lake City (USA) and published in the September issue of Microscopy Today.
Links:
- Gallery of finalists
- Finalist image by Ondřeje Ambrože
- Article featuring the original micrograph
We wish Ondřej continued success in his scientific journey!
Image:
… and what exactly do we see in the image?
As Ondřej puts it:
“Just like in life, during the solidification of bronze, each part follows its own path – and sometimes hits a wall.