Electron Microscopy Unit (EMU)

Welcome Message

A warm welcome from the Electron Microscopy Unit (EMU) in the Microscopy Cluster at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore!

At EMU, we offer advanced capabilities in electron microscopy through our suite of cutting-edge scanning and transmission electron microscopes, comprehensive sample preparation systems, and ultramicrotomy tools. Our dedicated team of highly experienced specialists is here to guide and support students, researchers, and staff in integrating EM techniques into their scientific work.

We are committed to delivering high-quality EM solutions that enable meaningful discoveries and foster innovation across the life sciences. We proudly support not only the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and the National University Health System, but also the broader scientific community within NUS and beyond.

Whether you are new to EM or seeking expertise for complex imaging needs, we provide tailored training, project consultation, experimental guidance, and image analysis to help you get the most out of your research.

We look forward to working with you and advancing science through microscopy together.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Isabelle Bonne

Head, Microscopy Cluster
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
National University of Singapore

About Us

The Electron Microscopy Unit is a central facility in Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. Our mission is to provide high quality EM solutions for biomedical researchers in the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, and the regional scientific community. 

Staff in the EM Unit conduct in-house trainings, maintain equipment in their top working condition, and ensure the laboratory is a safe and comfortable place to work in. We also provide full and partial EM services for researchers who need the technical assistance. Besides providing facilities use, the Unit also engages in collaborative research projects. Examples of some collaboration partners include NUS departments, Duke-NUS, MBI, A*STAR institutes, NTU etc.

The EM Unit staff are also keen to explore new technology and techniques to extend imaging beyond the conventional TEM and SEM, and regularly organize scientific seminars and workshops to introduce new equipment and technology.

Our History

The Electron Microscopy Unit has come a long way to be what it is now. It is set up in 1971, under the management of the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine. Mr. Chan Heng Leong is the pioneer in building up the laboratory and establishing the techniques. 

The very first microscope to serve the users was a Hitachi HS-8 and since then, a lot of upgrading and reviewing are being done to ensure the high quality service of the unit. When the Unit was first started, it was under the supervision of a EM Committee, consisting of six members and a Chairperson from the different major departments in the Faculty.

The members are Professor Leong Seng Kee (Anatomy), Professor Chan Soh Ha (Microbiology), Professor Lee Yoke Sun (Pathology), Professor Raja Sinniah (Pathology), Professor Ling Eng Ang (Anatomy) and Associate Professor Mary Ng Mah Lee (Microbiology), with Professor Lee Eng Hin (Orthopaedic Surgery) chairing the committee. 

In 1994, Associate Professor Mary Ng was appointed as the Director of the Unit and the EM Committee now acts mainly in the advisory capacity for the purchase of new equipment. 

In 2015, the EM Unit relocated from MD5 to Tahir Foundation Building, 12 Science Drive 2. Associate Professor Wei-Yi Ong was appointed as the Director of the Unit, after Professor Mary Ng’s semi-retirement. 

In 2021, Professor Wei-Yi Ong stepped down as the Director and is succeeded by Assistant Professor Benoit Malleret.

In 2025, the EM Unit became part of the Microscopy Cluster, together with Confocal Microscopy Unit and Multiphoton Microscopy Facility. This integration is a positive step forward, as each imaging facility specializes in different types of microscopy and complement one another. By working more closely together, they will be better positioned to deliver more comprehensive and effective support to researchers. With the restructuring, Research Assistant Professor Isabelle Bonne is appointed as the Head of the Microscopy Cluster.