Welcome to the ESF Exploratory Workshop

Infrared microspectroscopy with synchrotron radiation (SRIR) and free-electron lasers (FEL) has proven to be a powerful technique for imaging and analysis of matter at the molecular level. Current applications cover a range of disciplines, including material science, forensics, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical science, archaeometry and geochemistry.

The aim of this workshop is to probe the state-of-the-art of the technique, catalyze the development of new applications and disseminate the possibilities of SRIR and FEL IR to a wider public. Presentations by lead scientists in the field will be addressed to an interdisciplinary audience. Scientists from outside the traditional community of synchrotron users and in the early stages of their career are particularly encouraged to participate.

The event is part of the series of Exploratory Workshops supported by the European Science Foundation. ESF exploratory workshops are intended to allow the participant scientists to (1) identify emerging areas which require action at the European level, (2) exchange knowledge, (3) establish new links and (4) explore future collaborative actions. This has proved far more successful within small, closed, interactive meetings than within larger "conference-type" gatherings and attendance at ESF workshops is therefore restricted to 40 people.