ER-C operates high-performance electron microscopes permitting unique insights into the world of atoms. The major issues tackled by ER-C include the further methodological development of high-resolution electron microscopic and spectroscopic methods and their application, currently predominantly for materials research and nanotechnology. In the near future, the life sciences will be added as the first new field of application. Furthermore, we enable researchers from science and industry to use our instruments and methods, supported by our experts, and aim to establish a national user facility for the scientific community.