324. Wilhelm und Else Heraeus Seminar in Bad Honnef

May 9 - 12, 2004 at the Physikzentrum Bad Honnef, Germany

Aims of the seminar:

This seminar is intended to intensely discuss various fields of soft matter research, in particular to enforce the applications of x-rays to study soft materials on the length scale of several 10 nm. This is the relevant length scale for many polymers, but also for biological materials or nanocomposite materials. X-rays exhibit several important features which enable structural, spectroscopic and time-dependent studies.  We like to encourage participants from the different disciplines to contribute to the discussions. 

The major goals of the seminar are

• to bring together a small number of specialists and young researchers to disseminate the emerging knowledge in this interdisciplinary field, and let them present recent results in a highly focused environment. The topics covered should illustrate general trends and new aspects, but cannot be expected to exhaustively cover the whole field.

• to stimulate intensive and focused discussions in view of a basic understanding of the problems, or, at least, agree on scientifically valid formulations of the key issues to be resolved. New experimental possibilities with respect to key questions should be explored, and forthcoming scientific questions defined.
  

• to transfer this knowledge to younger researchers, and to get their input and fresh ideas. Young researchers and doctoral students should be involved in the focused discussions.

Topics of the Seminar

• X-ray microscopy, instrumentation

• Organic thin films and liquids

• Polymers and liquid Crystals
  

• Applied material science

• Biology, life sciences, naturals

• Theoretical investigations

The seminar will mainly consist of invited contributions. However, we will give opportunity for additional contributions to be presented as short talks or posters.

This seminar is exclusively funded by the Wilhelm und Else Heraeus Stiftung. Funding for students may be available upon request. Conference fee of 120 Euro includes accomodation in single or double rooms for 3 nights and full board (except drinks during lunch and dinners)

Since the number of accomodations is limited, early registration is advised.