Atomic Force Microscopy opens a window into the nanoscale world, enabling scientists to visualise structures, measure forces, and observe dynamic processes that are beyond the reach of most other techniques. From probing the mechanical properties of living cells to characterising advanced materials and nanostructures, AFM has become an essential tool across physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, and medicine.
Behind these advances is a global community of researchers continually pushing the boundaries of what can be seen and understood at the nanoscale. In this Women in AFM edition, we spotlight eight scientists: Antonella Badia, Christine Helms, Ankita Ray, Hannah Seferovic, Alaa Al-Shaer, Delphine Sicard, Oriane de Leuze, and Christine Mueller-Renno, whose work reflects both the breadth of AFM applications and the diversity of the people driving the field forward. Spanning continents, disciplines, and career stages, they include PhD researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and established scientists, each bringing a distinct perspective to nanoscale research. Their work ranges from investigating biological systems and soft matter to advancing materials science, nanotechnology, and instrumentation.
Highlighting these scientists is about more than recognition; it is about visibility. Representation in STEM matters. By sharing their stories and achievements, we hope to inspire students and early-career researchers, foster collaboration within the AFM community, and demonstrate the many pathways into this field. Initiatives like Women in AFM not only celebrate scientific excellence but also help address the persistent underrepresentation of women in many areas of science, challenging outdated perceptions and encouraging a more inclusive future.
Together, these eight profiles offer a glimpse into a vibrant and evolving field, one shaped as much by the people behind the research as by the technologies they develop.
