Centre for High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy

🔬 The world is made of wonders — you just have to look closer.

Some of the most fascinating scientific discoveries happen at scales far beyond what the human eye can see.

At the Centre for High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (CHRTEM), advanced electron microscopy allows us to explore materials, structures and surfaces at incredibly small scales — helping researchers answer big questions.

Why did a material fail?
What is happening at an interface?
Where are the elements located?
How does a material change over time?
And can we see individual atoms?

Small scale. Big questions.

Whether you're working in materials science, nanotechnology, engineering, physics, chemistry, biology or industry, CHRTEM can help you investigate what is happening beneath the surface.

🔬 Have a research question? Let's discuss your work.

📷 SEM images: Dr William Goosen, CHRTEM SEM Operator

🔍 Can you find the Director?

Our CHRTEM staff and students recently swapped microscopes for a fun challenge as they searched for our Director hidden inside TEM images!

There was lots of laughter, friendly competition, and some very determined searching. Events like these remind us that while we are passionate about science, we're also a community that enjoys spending time together.

Think you've got what it takes?

👀 Swipe through and see if you can spot the Director!

💙 Happy Nelson Mandela Month from everyone at CHRTEM.

🎉✨ 15 YEARS OF DISCOVERY. COUNTLESS POSSIBILITIES. ✨

Some of the most important discoveries happen far beyond what the human eye can see.

For 15 years, CHRTEM has helped researchers, students and innovators explore the nanoscale world through advanced electron microscopy—revealing structures, materials and phenomena that shape the technologies of tomorrow.

🔬 Millions of atoms observed.
🎓 Generations of scientists trained.
🤝 Research partnerships built.
🚀 Discoveries enabled.

As we look ahead to celebrating our 15-year milestone later this year, we're reminded that CHRTEM's story is one of scientific curiosity, collaboration and innovation.

Based within the Faculty of Science at Nelson Mandela University, CHRTEM has had the privilege of supporting researchers, students and collaborators from across South Africa, Africa and beyond in pursuing world-class science.

As we continue to expand our digital presence, we're excited to share more of the research, people, technology and discoveries that make CHRTEM such a unique part of the Nelson Mandela University research community.

📸 Follow along for:
✨ Research highlights
✨ Microscopy images
✨ Student and researcher achievements
✨ Training opportunities
✨ Facility news and updates

🌐 CONNECT WITH CHRTEM

📷 Instagram:
💼 LinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/company/chrtem
📘 Facebook: You're already here 😉

Follow us across our platforms and join us as we count down to an exciting milestone year filled with science, discovery and celebration.

🌍 Exploring the unseen.
🔬 Advancing knowledge.
🚀 Inspiring the future.

Stay connected—there's much more to come.

Here's to the next chapter of discovery.

Science and technology continue to play a critical role in shaping a sustainable future, and one groundbreaking initiative is bringing world-class research directly into our schools and communities.

In this special feature on Umhlobo Wenene FM, they explore the work of Dr Hlanganani Nyembe and his team from the Centre for High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and the Department of Physics at Nelson Mandela University. Through innovative renewable energy research, strategic collaborations, and impactful science outreach programmes, they are creating meaningful connections between advanced scientific research and classroom learning.

During the programme, they will unpack the significance of renewable energy partnerships, examine how science outreach strengthens education, and discuss the importance of creating opportunities for learners to interact with researchers and scientific technologies. We also explore how these efforts are helping to inspire the next generation of physicists, materials scientists, engineers, and clean energy innovators.

Join us as we discover how science, education, and community engagement are working together to build a more sustainable future and empower young people to become active participants in solving tomorrow’s challenges.

The first phase of installing two new scanning electron microscopes at the Mandela University DSTI–NRF Centre for HRTEM has commenced with the arrival of our new JEOL JSM–IT210. This milestone reinforces the Centre’s commitment to strengthening its microscopy capabilities and advancing scientific excellence at both national and international levels. We look forward to the arrival of the JEOL JSM-IT810 in May