To promote, within Australia and internationally, all forms of microscopy and microanalysis, including, but not limited to, electron microscopy, light microscopy, scanning probe microscopy and electron beam microanalytical techniques. AMMS co-operates and forms affiliations with other organisations having similar objectives both within and outside Australia and encourages the establishment of special interest groups in different areas of microscopy & microanalysis.

The Society’s major activities are the convening of multidisciplinary conferences and workshops and the co-ordination of activities with similar groups within Australia and overseas, highlighted in the Society's quarterly newsletter.

AMMS is a member of Science & Technology Australia (STA), a lobby group that seeks to influence government decision making about science and technology. AMMS is also a member of the International Federation of Societies for Microscopy (IFSM) which aims to advance microscopy in all its aspects.