XXth International School on Physics and Chemistry of Condensed Matter “Structural Investigations of Functional Materials”

Scope of the School:
The School is dedicated to experimental and theoretical methods of structural investigations of functional materials (materials that have functionality). In addition, properties and structure of smart materials (materials able to respond to changes in their surroundings) will also be presented and discussed. A few interdisciplinary lectures (combining physics and/or chemistry, biology, computer science) on advanced materials possible for applications in industry and medicine are planned.
Special attention will be paid to:
- theory of x-ray and neutron diffraction
- solving crystal structures in powder and single crystal diffractometry (direct and indirect methods)
- experimental methods of crystal structure determination
- structural features of functional materials (HTSC, nanomaterials, shape memory alloys, …)
- crystallography of proteins and pharmacological materials
- structures of surfaces and interfaces
- simulations and/or modelling of the structure and properties of novel materials
A review of basic experimental techniques (from light to neutrons and muons) used in the study of classical and “functional” materials will be presented. A tutorial lecture on classification and symmetry of crystallographic structures should open the classes.

The School has a long tradition (we will celebrate JUBILEE XXth School) and serves as a good meeting point for scientists and students from both East and West. Its main role is educational. Therefore, it consists of a series of short courses, 2-4 hours each. The School is known for giving the opportunity to young scientists, undergraduate, and PhD students, to learn about the present status of important problems in solid-state physics. The teaching staff ensures a high tutorial level; the lectures and short courses, require only a basic knowledge of the physics and chemistry of solids.

Permanent poster session will be arranged with a goal to allow for presentation of the scientific achievements of PhD students. Very few papers and/or posters will be accepted for 20 minutes presentation in oral form during special session.

The proceedings of the School will be published in the periodical “Solid State Phenomena”. The periodical is available in full text online via platform www.scientific.net.
The informal Proceedings in the form of CD-ROM will appear, as after previous Schools. The materials will be reproduced directly from the files submitted by the Authors.

Fee: full board, 470 EUR, including school fee of 120 EUR, covers all local expenses.