The NANOscientific Symposium Series (NSS) 2025 has officially come to a successful close, concluding a year-long programme that connected the world’s nanoscale science community through a series of highly engaging events across the Americas, Europe and Asia. The grand finale, held at Stanford University, carried immense historical and emotional resonance as it marked the 40th anniversary of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and paid tribute to the enduring legacy of Professor Calvin Quate.
Throughout 2025, the symposium attracted more than 700 participants globally, including leading scientists, engineers, researchers, industrial experts and technology innovators. Its conclusion at Stanford—regarded as the birthplace of AFM—created a powerful bridge between scientific heritage, technological advancement and future aspirations for nanoscale metrology.
The symposium welcomed several distinguished pioneers whose contributions shaped the evolution of AFM, including H. Kumar Wickramasinghe, Thomas Albrecht, John S. Foster, Dan Rugar, Oleg Kolosov and Helen Greenwood Hansma. Their presentations highlighted how AFM has grown from a groundbreaking laboratory innovation into a critical enabler of modern scientific research and industrial development.
Adding further depth to the event was the presence of Dr. Sang-il Park, Founder and CEO of Park Systems, who began his career as a student under Professor Quate. His return to Stanford symbolised the extraordinary journey of AFM: from academic experiment to one of the world’s most influential nanoscale measurement technologies.
A dominant narrative throughout NSS 2025 was the recognition that AFM is no longer viewed merely as a standalone measurement instrument. Instead, it has become a central pillar in integrated metrology ecosystems, working alongside advanced optical and analytical technologies to deliver correlated data and deeper scientific understanding.
Park Systems, the principal sponsor of the series, reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to advancing nanoscale science through continuous collaboration, knowledge exchange and technological leadership. NSS 2025 demonstrated that innovation thrives when academia and industry share a unified platform for dialogue and research advancement.
European sessions held in Orsay, France focused strongly on precision measurement strategies and advanced material characterisation. Meanwhile, Korea’s symposium showcased the powerful link between nanoscale research and industrial manufacturing, especially within semiconductor and advanced materials sectors. In India, the event at IISc Bengaluru highlighted rapid national growth in nanoscale capabilities, while the Tokyo symposium encouraged long-term interdisciplinary collaboration.
As NSS 2025 concludes, it leaves behind strengthened scientific networks, renewed commitment to global collaboration and a clear vision for the future of nanoscale metrology. The series will continue in 2026, with the new programme schedule expected to be announced in March.