Keynote: Alessandro Lavacchi (National Research Council of Italy, Istituto di Chimica dei Composti Organometallici (CNR ICCOM), Florence)

Title: In Situ and Operando XAS Characterization of Electrocatalyst Synthesis and Structural Evolution under Working Conditions

Invited: Anna Moliterni (National Research Council of Italy, Istituto di Cristallografia (CNR IC), Bari)

Title: Crystallography and synchrotron light, a powerful tandem for tailoring properties of new materials for Energy

Short description and topics of the micro symposium:

The microsymposium is focused on the use of synchrotron techniques for the characterization of energy production and storage materials. It will stage the state-of-the-art ex situ, in situ and operando results from the characterization of batteries, electrochemical energy conversion devices and solar cells. Key topics will revolve around crystal phase identification/transformation and structural solution by static/dynamic X-ray diffraction experiments, and in situ/operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments. Methodological and experimental advancements in stimulus-response studies are welcome.

Keynote: Chiaramaria Stani (CERIC-ERIC)

Title: Unveiling the Past: Advanced Synchrotron Approaches in Art and Archaeometry

Invited: Alessia Nava (Rome Sapienza University)

      Title: Peering into the Past: Virtual Histology of Ancient Teeth in Biological Anthropology Studies

Short description and topics of the micro symposium:

This microsymposium brings together experts in the characterization of ancient materials through non-invasive techniques. The topics include the study of degradation and restoration processes applied to artefacts and ancient remains in general.

Keynote: Valentina Rimondi (University of Florence)

Title: Mercury biogeochemistry and the role of tree barks: insights by HR-XANES spectroscopy in a Hg-mining area.

Invited: Michela Labella (Technical University of Denmark)

Title: From grains to structures: unravelling materials mesoscale with spatially resolved X-ray diffraction and tomography techniques.

Short description and topics of the micro symposium:

The session harnesses cutting-edge synchrotron techniques to elucidate earth science and environmental processes. Topics include contamination and elemental speciation, structural mineralogy, and investigation of both inorganic and bio-mineralization processes. Focus spans environmental health hazards, asbestos, hydrothermal fluids, soil formation, biominerals in extreme settings, and comprehensive innovative monitoring and remediation for sustainable waste and soil management.

Keynote: Raffaella Torchio (ESRF)

Title: The High Power Laser Facility at the ESRF: unveiling electronic and ionic structure of matter at extreme pressures and        temperatures

Invited: Boby Joseph (Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste)

     Title: 10 years of the high-pressure diffraction beamline Xpress at Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste 

Short description and topics of the micro symposium:

This microsymposium explores how synchrotron-based diffraction and spectroscopy probe materials under non-ambient conditions — including high/low temperatures, high pressure, shock compression, and controlled atmospheres — offering key insights into phase behavior, reactivity, and properties relevant to planetary science and fundamental physics and chemistry.

Keynote: Martina Fracchia (Università degli Studi di Pavia)

Title: Exploring phase stability and reaction mechanisms of high entropy oxides via in situ and operando synchrotron X-ray techniques

Invited: Marko Prasek (Elettra Synchrotron Trieste)

Title: Advances in Sample Environments, In-Situ Real-Time Tomography, and Imaging-Reconstruction Pipelines at the SYRMEP Beamline of the Elettra Synchrotron

Short description and topics of the micro symposium:

The MS will focus on advanced characterization methods applied to functional materials, including synchrotron-based spectroscopic, diffractometric and imaging techniques, eventually applied in a combined fashion and under realistic operation conditions. Relevant applications will encompass materials for catalysis and gas adsorption/separation as well as characterization of natural and artificial geo-materials such as rocks, mortars, and cements.

Keynote: Lorenzo Massimi,  (National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Nanotechnologies (CNR Nanotec, Rome, Italy)

Title: X-ray phase contrast imaging with masks: working principles and applications

Invited: Valeria Secchi (Department of Materials Science, University of Milano-Bicocca)

Title: Structural characterisation of luminescent nanomaterials for biomedical applications

Short description and topics of the micro symposium:

The symposium will explore the latest advances in life sciences and bio-medical research, using cutting-edge synchrotron-based techniques. Key topics will include advanced imaging methods, structural biology, spectroscopic analysis, and the development of novel biomaterials.

Keynote: Olivier Mathon (ESRF) 

Title: ESRF-EBS and spectroscopy, examples with beamlines BM23 and ID24

Invited: Aram Bugaev (Paul Scherrer Institute PSI)

 Title: Machine learning for extracting metal-metal distances from DRIFTS spectra with EXAFS precision

Short description and topics of the micro symposium:

This session explores cutting-edge advancements in synchrotron radiation, spanning theoretical modelling, data analysis strategies, and the development of experimental techniques. Contributions will highlight innovations in beamline instrumentation, emerging methodologies, and computational approaches to synchrotron data interpretation. Special attention will be given to new synchrotron infrastructures, enhancing research capabilities across disciplines."