Madrid International SPM School

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.

Check the program here.

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.

Please note that the event is full. Check the program here.

Email contact: @email 

 

Confirmed Speakers

Pavel Jelinek (FZU) - STM Theory
Ignacio Horcas
Fabián Calleja  (IMDEA) - Nanonis and feedback fundamentals
Bruno de la Torre - High Resolution nc-AFM
Doris Grumelli
Teresa González (IMDEA Nanoscience)
Sonia Contera
Thilo Glatztel - Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy
Masrtin Svec - STM
Agustina Asenjo - Magnetic Force Microscopy
José Ángel Martín Gago - The Nuts & Bolts of STM
De Pablos - AFM in Liquids
Iván Brihuega - STM Manipulation
Julio Gómez - The Nuts & Bolts of AFM
Cristina Gómez Navarro - AFM COntact Modes
Ricardo García - AFM Dynamic Modes
Rubén Pérez - From Forces to Material properties
David Serrate (INMA)

Organizers

Pablo Merino, Guilherme Vilhena, Miriam Jaafar (ICMM-CSIC)

Manuela Garnica (IMDEA Nanoscience)

Pablo Ares (IFIMAC-UAM)

This event is granted by the Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence program through Grant CEX2024-001445-S/ financiado por MICIU/AEI / 10.13039/501100011033 and Maria de Maeztu Program for Units of Excellence in R&D CEX2023-001316-M.

Organizers and participanting entities