Advancement in high resolution imaging has led to greater understanding about the study of life and material science samples. Recent development in electron detection technology, automation of data collection and computational algorithms and software have revolutionised the field of life science and provided atomic resolution details of molecular assemblies in their native state that were not possible a decade ago. In conjunction with other available techniques, electron cryo microscopy (cryo-EM) is helping us to understand time lapse view of the highly dynamic interactions of assemblies in solution as well as in-situ (inside cells and tissues). Therefore, cryo-EM has become an unavoidable tool to realize our dream of connecting the dots between life and material and chemical science.

Considering the importance of cryo-EM in the field of science and technology, Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) of department of science and technology (DST) has setup one of its four centres (IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur and Bose Institute Kolkata) at IITM. The world class facility at IIT Madras provides a platform for researchers from different institutes in-and-around IIT Madras and also across India to use and apply cryo-EM and contribute to scientific advancement in the field of basic science as well as application oriented research.