Snapshots of two of the sessions held during the week via Zoom application.

Cerdanyola del Vallès, 23rd March 2021.

In order to contribute to the training of young researchers, ALBA is a partner institute of the HERCULES 2021 school, a 5-week course coordinated by the Université Grenoble Alpes dedicated to neutron and synchrotron radiation for condensed matter studies (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Geosciences, Industrial applications).

In previous years, participants had the opportunity to travel to one of the facilities taking part. Despite the pandemic made it impossible this year, virtual sessions have been organized to enable a close contact between students and large research facilities' experts.

Last week, ALBA welcome 19 students form different European countries. During the first day, six conferences were given describing in detail the ALBA Synchrotron facility and some of its available techniques. The next days, students were split in two groups for the practical sessions. The Physics and Chemistry of condensed matter group learnt in detail about , and beamlines, while the Biomolecular structure and dynamics group was trained by , ,  and staff. Apart from the lectures and hands-on activities, participants were able to virtually visit the facility, profiting from the .

ALBA has a firm commitment towards education of new generations, developing training activities and providing academic support (covering undergraduate, dual vocational training students and PhDs and offering support materials and activities to primary and high school students).