Welcome to the 71st Microscopy & Microanalysis meeting, M&M 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana! The Microscopy Society of America, the Microanalysis Society, and the International Metallographic Society have excelled again bringing the latest and most innovative applications and instrumental developments from investigators in the biological and physical sciences using microscopy and microanalysis techniques. M&M 2013 features more than 35 symposia covering a broad range of topics, ample educational opportunities in the form of courses and tutorials and pre-meeting events including courses, a congress and a workshop.