Short Courses

Inside the event › Short courses

ECASIA 2017 offered a series of focused short courses ahead of the main scientific program. These sessions provided hands-on training and in-depth instruction on key techniques and data analysis tools used in surface science.

Short courses at ECASIA offered participants a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of surface and interface analysis techniques before the main conference began. These intensive sessions were designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, allowing attendees to engage directly with expert instructors. The format encouraged focused learning in a smaller group setting, where questions and discussion could flow more freely than during the busy plenary sessions. For students and early-career researchers especially, these courses provided a rare chance to build foundational skills alongside seasoned professionals from across Europe and beyond, all within the collaborative atmosphere that defines the ECASIA community.

The curriculum covered a range of essential topics in surface analysis, from data interpretation strategies to the practical operation of key instrumentation. Attendees could select courses aligned with their research interests, whether they were new to the field or looking to refine existing expertise. Each session combined clear theoretical grounding with hands-on exercises that reinforced core concepts. Instructors drew on years of experience to highlight common pitfalls and best practices, giving participants tools they could immediately apply in their own laboratories. This targeted approach helped ensure that everyone left with not just new knowledge, but also actionable insights for their ongoing work in surface and interface science.

Beyond the technical content, the short courses served as an informal networking hub for the surface science community. Participants from different countries and research backgrounds found themselves working side by side, sharing perspectives and building connections that often lasted well beyond the conference. The smaller class sizes fostered a collegial environment where even the most reserved attendees felt comfortable asking questions and contributing ideas. Coffee breaks and informal discussions between sessions became just as valuable as the formal instruction, sparking collaborations that might not have otherwise occurred. In this way, the courses embodied the spirit of ECASIA: rigorous science paired with genuine human connection.

The timing of the short courses at the very beginning of the conference week was intentional, allowing attendees to arrive early and settle into the scientific mindset before the main programme began. This structure gave participants a head start on engaging with the more advanced talks and poster sessions that followed. Many found that the foundational knowledge gained in the courses made the subsequent lectures and discussions far more accessible and productive. For those travelling from distant institutions, the early arrival also offered a chance to explore the host city and adjust to a new environment before the conference pace accelerated. The short courses thus set a positive and focused tone for the entire ECASIA experience.