Prof. Ing. Armin Delong, DrSc. – A Pioneer Who Made Brno Famous in Electron Microscopy
Armin Delong (1925–2017) was born in Bartovice near Ostrava and displayed a remarkable aptitude for technology from an early age. His first successes came during his studies at the Brno Technical University (today’s Brno University of Technology), where he and his classmates ventured into constructing an electron microscope. The device they created opened the door to worldwide recognition for Czechoslovak—and especially Brno-based—electron microscopy.
A major breakthrough arrived with the “tabletop” BS242 microscope, which earned a prestigious gold medal at the 1958 Brussels EXPO. This achievement gained Brno international attention in the realm of electron microscopy. Professor Delong went on to lead the Institute of Scientific Instruments (ÚPT) for many decades and remained active in the field well into his nineties—most notably at Delong Instruments, a company named in his honor.
The Legacy of Prof. Ing. Armin Delong, DrSc., in Ten Points
1. Founding Electron Microscopy in Czechoslovakia
Thanks to Delong and his team, the very first Czechoslovak electron microscope was constructed, laying the groundwork for this discipline.
2. Advancing Microscope Production in Brno (Tesla Brno)
Building on the findings and future potential of Professors Delong and Drahoš, the Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences (ČSAV) was established in Brno. The founding of this institute provided significant support for systematic research and development in electron microscopy. Tesla’s electron microscopes, prototyped at this very institute under Delong’s leadership, became renowned worldwide.
3. Unique Tabletop Electron Microscopes
Together with his colleagues, Delong developed compact instruments that could rival much larger systems, opening up new possibilities for laboratories around the globe.
4. Establishing and Leading the Institute of Scientific Instruments (ÚPT)
Delong’s long-term leadership of the Institute of Scientific Instruments of ČSAV (now the Czech Academy of Sciences) influenced the evolution of instrumentation technology not only in electron microscopy but also in related fields.
5. Educating a New Generation of Scientists and Engineers
During his tenure at Brno universities and in academia, he mentored numerous experts who continue conducting high-level research both at home and abroad.
6. Worldwide Prestige of Czech Electron Microscopy
Delong’s innovations (including the BS242 tabletop microscope, honored at EXPO 58) elevated Czechoslovakia into the ranks of the most prominent producers of electron microscopes.
7. Supporting Research and Scientific-Technological Development in the Public Sphere
After 1989, he served as Deputy Prime Minister of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic for Scientific and Technological Development and as Vice President of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences (today the Czech Academy of Sciences), where he advocated for strategic investments in science.
8. Fostering International Cooperation
The export of microscopes abroad and Delong’s active participation in international scientific boards strengthened the global reputation of Czech researchers.
9. Popularizing Science and Publishing Scholarly Works
He authored two monographs on electron microscopy, published over 120 specialized studies, and lectured at both national and international conferences.
10. Unwavering Work Ethic into Advanced Age
Even past the age of 90, he continued contributing to the development of instruments at Delong Instruments and at the Institute of Scientific Instruments, making him a singular example of lifelong scientific engagement.
