Madrid International School of SPM (Mad4SPM)

The 1st Madrid International School of Scanning Probe Microscopy (Mad4SPM) is a two-day course designed as a training event for master students, PhD students and early-career scientists dedicated to nanoscience. Participants will receive comprehensive theoretical and practical instruction covering the complete SPM spectrum. The event will be held at the Madrid Institute of Material Sciences (ICMM) from May, 12 to 13, 2026.

Organized within the framework of the activities of the ICMM Severo Ochoa Project, this initiative is powered by the unparalleled expertise and state-of-the-art facilities of three leading Spanish research institutions: the ICMM-CSIC, UAM-IFIMAC, and IMDEA Nanociencia. All three institutes being members of SOMMa alliance and the Cantoblanco Campus de Excelencia.

The primary objectives of the SPM School are:

To gain a solid foundation in both Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), covering the underlying operational modes and the physical mechanisms that enable sub-nanometer resolution.
To provide a “hands-on” approach. Focusing on day-a-day methodological issues.
To give a wide perspective of the SPM capabilities in different environments (from liquids to UHV) and to measure different samples (from topological quantum matter to living cells).

The program emphasizes the critical synergy between theoretical knowledge and experimental application. The schedule features:

Dedicated lectures in the ICMM Auditorium (15 different speakers).
Hands-on data analysis workshops (attendees own laptop)
- WSxM from basics to advanced user
- Nanonis simulator
Live demonstrations in state-of-the-art SPM laboratories and AFM exposition in the ICMM hall.