WINS School

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences | WINS School

WINS School

Cross sections and interfaces in research and its environment

31 May - 3 June 2024, Blossin

Application deadline: 29 February 2024

Organizers:

Prof. Dr. Caterina Cocchi (Universität Oldenburg/ IRIS Adlershof)

Dr. Zsuzsanna Heiner (HU/ SALSA)

Dr. Petra Metz (HU)

Prof. Dr. Caren Tischendorf (HU)

Cross sections and interfaces are ubiquitous in natural sciences, ranging from mathematics to geography and from chemistry to physics. For example, in spectroscopy, cross sections represent the probability of scattering or absorption processes to take place. While existing being intrinsic to any physical system, artificial interfaces between different types of materials such as organic molecules and inorganic surfaces have been attracting notable interest since a few decades in view of creating new functional materials for optoelectronics, catalysis, energy conversion, etc. On the other hand, fundamental understanding of interfacial chemistry is crucial in applications ranging from surface functionalization through heterogeneous catalysis to complex cell biology. Biological interfaces such as cellular membranes, skin, tear films in eyes, or lung surfactants play crucial roles in living organisms for transporting energy and oxygen and act as a primary defense barrier against microorganisms. We also learned recently from the Covid-19 pandemic that biological barriers are vital in preventing viruses, but the molecular-level understanding of such interactions is still missing. Such multidisciplinary challenges can be resolved in the future only with joint efforts of researchers from all fields of natural sciences. Importantly, these topics are at the forefront of research at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and in the whole scientific environment around Berlin, especially at Campus Adlershof. Therefore, in 2024, the first and last day will take place in Adlershof and the other two days at the lake shore in Blossin.

We expect exciting speakers from different scientific fields and corporations:

Confirmed speakers

Prof. Dr. Caterina Cocchi (Universität Oldenburg/ IRIS Adlershof)

Dr. Zsuzsanna Heiner (HU/ SALSA)

Dr. Anieza Maltsi (Weierstrass Institute Berlin (WIAS)

Dr. Gabrielle Thomas (Menlo Systems)

Prof. Dr. Caren Tischendorf (HU)

Prof. Dr. Eva Unger (HU/ Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB)

Dr. Antje Vollmer, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB)

Dr. Katharina Witte (Berlin Partner)

Program

WINS Summer School 2024 takes place in Berlin and Blossin, an idyllic educational resort in the outskirts of Berlin. The program starts on Friday, 31 May at 13:00 h in Berlin, and ends on Monday, 3 June, at 14:00 in Berlin. It comprises scientific talks and seminars, coaching, discussions, and networking activities. Participants are given the opportunity to present their own research in a friendly and informal atmosphere.

Since the beginning in 2018, the annual WINS School has been interdisciplinary with varying participation from the different departments of the faculty. Under the guidance of female professors or junior research group leaders from the faculty, participants gain insights into scientific work on an interdisciplinary topic during a four-day event. The WINS School is addressed solely to female participants at different stages of their academic careers, from master’s students to post-doctoral researchers. The goal is to establish a long-standing exchange and cooperation network of female scientists active in different fields.

Participation is free of charge: all local costs, including accommodation for 3 nights, food and non-alcoholic beverages, are taken over by the organization. The number of participants is limited to 20.

Applications including a schematic CV and a short motivation letter (max 1 page A4) explaining the interest for attending this event should be sent to petra.metz@hu-berlin.de by February 29, 2024.

Special requests, such as the need for extra accommodation or support for travel costs to reach Berlin or Blossin, should be explicitly mentioned in the application. In case the received applications exceed the number of available slots, a selection will be made by the organizers based on the motivation letters and on the CVs. Admitted participants will be informed approximately two weeks after the application deadline.

Informationen

Dr. Petra Metz, WINS Adlershof

Fon: +49 (0)30 2093 81125

E-Mail:petra.metz@hu-berlin.de