Background:

     At the forefront of contemporary science, surfaces and interfaces constitute the central stage that determines material properties, device functionalities, and even the pathways of chemical reactions. From single-atom catalysis to two-dimensional semiconductors, and from new energy conversion to environmental remediation, nearly every major technological breakthrough hinges on a profound understanding and precise control of atomic-scale processes at surfaces and interfaces. However, this field now faces unprecedented opportunities and challenges: it has transcended the boundaries of traditional physics and chemistry to become a highly interdisciplinary, convergent science. On one hand, advanced synthesis and characterization techniques such as molecular beam epitaxy and in-situ microscopic spectroscopy enable us to "see" and "manipulate" atoms and molecules. On the other hand, the deep integration of density functional theory (DFT) and artificial intelligence (AI) is shifting the paradigms of material discovery and mechanistic investigation from "empirical trial-and-error" to "rational design." Simultaneously, driven by the urgent need for sustainable development, environmental chemistry extends the application of surface and interface science to pollution control and energy conversion. The convergence of these directions aims not only to address specific scientific questions but also to cultivate the next generation of scientists and engineers who can master multidisciplinary tools and possess systematic thinking capabilities—from atoms to devices. This summer school is born from this vision, designed to create a unique platform for stimulating intellectual exchange and integrating diverse skills, collectively exploring the boundless possibilities of material surfaces.

Time: July 13^th – 27^th

Venue: Hangzhou

Course list:

· See materials at atomic scale

· Theoretical exploration for materials

· Environmental chemistry

Lecturers:

Miao ZHOU

mzhou@buaa.edu.cn; https://physics.buaa.edu.cn/info/1262/3041.htm

Tianchao NIU

tcniu@buaa.edu.cn; https://zfai.buaa.edu.cn/info/1254/2895.htm

Chenqiang HUA

huachenqiang@buaa.edu.cn; https://zfai.buaa.edu.cn/info/1254/2891.htm

Jingsha XU

jingshaxu1@gmail.com; https://zfai.buaa.edu.cn/info/1254/2899.htm

Shanshan Tang

tangshanshan@buaa.edu.cn; ttps://zfai.buaa.edu.cn/info/1254/2897.htm

Eligibility

· Be between the ages of 18 and 35 (inclusive), and in good health;

· Register as full-time student or employed as full-time academic staff at foreign university;

· Have a major background in materials science, physics, chemistry, or a related field;

· Haveproof of proficiency in English.

Contact

Tianchao NIU, tcniu@buaa.edu.cn