Mini-Symposium
What is a mini-symposium?
A mini-symposium (MS) is a session of 4 to 6 coordinated presentations on a single topic of current interest in the domain of surface science, in accordance with the scope of the conference. The underlying idea of MS is to encourage the diversity of speakers and of the scientific topics through granting its organisation to a specialist in the topic.
A MS organiser is responsible of the entire scientific programme of the MS: choice of both the topic and the speakers. The MS organiser also reviews the abstract submissions with the help of the ECOSS committee. Additionally, the MS organiser will chair the MS at the conference venue, will foster an environment for discussion during the MS, and is welcome to give a presentation during the MS. The MS organiser can be assisted with up to two co-organisers, preferably from different institutions and preferably from Widening countries.
The list of all MS can be found below. Typically, each MS contains a keynote speaker (35 min. + 5 min. Q/A) and contributing speakers (15 min. + 5 min. Q/A).
List of mini-symposia
MS01: EMERGING 2D MATERIALS: BEYOND GRAPHENE WITH GROUP 15 ELEMENTS
MS Organiser: Klaudia Toczek - University of Łódź, Poland
Building on the success of graphene, this mini-symposium focuses on emerging 2D materials from Group 15 elements. It aims to address their unique physicochemical properties and discuss their potential applications. Topics of this mini-symposium are expected to broadly cover fabrication and characterisation techniques, atomic-resolution imaging, spectroscopic studies of material surfaces, theoretical calculations, structure degradation, oxide surface chemistry, and more. It encompasses all aspects of fundamental, experimental, and theoretical research conducted on Group 15 materials.
MS02: SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPY STUDIES OF ELECTROCATALYSTS
MS Organiser: Paul Maurice Leidinger - Aarhus University and iNANO, Denmark
MS Co-Organiser: Mailde Da Silva Ozorio - University of Copenhagen, Denmark
This mini-symposium is aimed at those interested in the intersection of surface science and electrochemistry, with a focus on scanning probe microscopy techniques and their application in electrocatalysis.
MS03: DEFECTS IN 2D MATERIALS AND INTERFACES: QUANTUM CHALLENGES IN THEIR NANOELECTRONICS, MAGNETIC AND OPTIC FUNCTIONALITIES
MS Organiser: Lucia Vitali - University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Spain
MS Co-Organiser: Andrés Ayuela - CSIC/Materials Physics Centre, Spain
This mini-symposium will provide a platform for experimentalists and theorists working on the synthesis, characterisation, and manipulation of defects in 2D materials and interfaces. The symposium aims to foster interdisciplinary discussions and identify pathways for leveraging defect engineering in future technologies. We welcome contributions that integrate atomic-scale imaging, first-principles modelling, and innovative defect engineering approaches to push the frontier of 2D material research. This symposium offers a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and establish collaborations in this rapidly advancing field.
MS04: MBE GROWTH OF NEW 2D MAGNETIC MATERIALS: BEYOND BULK CONSTRAINTS
MS Organiser: Jeison Fischer - University of Cologne, Germany
MS Co-Organiser: Amilcar Bedoya-Pinto - University of Valencia, Spain
This mini-symposium focuses on the advancement of growth techniques as a means to access and stabilise novel 2D material phases that are unattainable in bulk form. Particular emphasis is placed on the synthesis of non-layered 2D materials in the ultrathin limit, as well as surface-influenced new phases and heterostructures with emergent electronic and magnetic properties. Discussions will cover state-of-the-art growth methods, in situ characterisation techniques, and theoretical modelling approaches that provide fundamental insights into the role of interfaces, defects, and quasiparticle interactions in shaping material properties. By bringing together experts in experimental and computational research, this symposium aims to foster a deeper understanding of how tailored growth strategies can drive the discovery of new 2D magnetic materials and heterostructures with unprecedented functionalities.
MS05: SURFACE SCIENCE OF ASTROCHEMICAL SYSTEMS
MS Organiser: Wendy Brown - University of Sussex, UK
MS Co-Organiser: Martin McCoustra - Heriot Watt University, UK
Dust grains, primarily carbonaceous and silicaceous, are ubiquitous in space and provide surfaces for molecular formation and processing. Surface processes — adsorption, desorption, and reaction — are crucial in various regions of space. Processing of molecular ices on these grains by UV radiation and cosmic ray electrons is also vital for forming complex organic molecules. Surface science techniques are therefore essential for studying these processes on dust grain surfaces in space. This mini-symposium invites contributions from researchers involved in using surface science techniques to study processes relevant to a range of astrophysical environments. Contributions concerning surface investigations on a range of surfaces used for modelling astrochemical processes are welcomed.
MS06: MOLECULAR CHIRALITY ON SURFACES AND BEYOND: FROM FUNDAMENTALS TO APPLICATIONS
MS Organiser: Niccolò Giaconi - University of Florence, Italy
MS Co-Organisers: Magali Lingenfelder - Helvetia Institute of Science and Innovation, Switzerland
Narcis Avarvari - University of Angers, France
This mini-symposium brings together researchers from various disciplines, including surface science, inorganic, organic and supramolecular chemistry, nanoscale physics, and theoretical chemistry, to discuss recent advancements in experimental and theoretical approaches to molecular chirality on surfaces. Key topics will include chiral self-assembly, the Chirality-Induced Spin Selectivity (CISS) effect, and applications of molecular chirality in sensing and catalysis. By fostering discussions on fundamental mechanisms and emerging applications, this mini-symposium aims to drive interdisciplinary collaborations and underscore the transformative potential of chiral surface engineering in next-generation technologies.
MS07: STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS OF 2D MATERIALS: FROM FUNCTIONALISATION TO ENERGY DISSIPATION
MS Organiser: Anton Tamtögl - Graz University of Technology, Austria
MS Co-Organiser: Marco Sacchi - University of Surrey, UK
This mini-symposium explores how surface dynamics and functionalisation shape the properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials, with relevance to catalysis, tribology, self-assembly, and electronics. Discussions will focus on energy dissipation mechanisms, including electron-phonon coupling, charge transfer, and non-adiabatic effects, which for example govern phase transitions, diffusion, adsorption and friction. Equally important is the role of functionalisation strategies, such as doping, intercalation, and heterostructuring, in tuning electronic structure and interfacial properties. By bringing together experimental and computational approaches, this symposium aims to advance the understanding of how tailored modifications control energy dissipation and drive self-assembly in 2D materials.
