In the world of nanotechnology, where scientists explore and manipulate materials on an atomic level, few techniques offer as much precision and versatility as Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Despite its vast potential, AFM remains a tool that many researchers – especially those early in their careers – have little hands-on experience with. This is where the Linz Winterschool comes in.
Hosted by Peter Hinterdorfer at Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU), this immersive workshop gave young researchers the opportunity to dive deep into the world of AFM. Over several days, participants moved beyond theory and got a firsthand look at how this technology is shaping modern science.
Bringing AFM to Life
The workshop began with a series of talks introducing AFM, explaining its underlying principles and showcasing its many applications. From studying biological molecules to analyzing material surfaces at an atomic level, the technique offers new insights in fields as diverse as medicine, engineering, and physics.
But the real highlight came in the following days, when theory turned into practical experience. In the lab, the participants were not just passive observers; guided by experts, they worked directly with AFM and other single-molecule analysis devices.
From Learning to Problem-Solving
One of the most exciting aspects of the workshop was its interactive, problem-solving approach. Participants were encouraged to bring their own research questions and even physical samples, allowing them to test AFM techniques on real-world problems. On the final day, the focus shifted entirely to working through these challenges, with experts providing guidance and troubleshooting issues together with the students.
This spirit of collaboration – of researchers helping each other, sharing expertise, and working through technical difficulties as a team – is what made the Linz Winter School stand out. More than just an educational event, it became a space where curiosity, problem-solving, and scientific discovery converged.
A Gathering of Experts
Following the Winterschool, the focus shifted from training to knowledge exchange, as experts in AFM gathered for the Linz Winter Workshop, an academic conference where leading researchers from around the world shared their latest findings. Students from NanoPrecMed consortium had the opportunity to present their work as poster.
It was also a chance for consortium partners from Linz, Brno, and Vienna to connect, discuss ongoing endeavours, such as the upcoming workshop series promoting knowledge transfer between academia and industry.
A Community Built Around Innovation
The Linz Winterschool was made possible through the support of INTERREG AT-CZ as part of the NanoPrecMed project, a cross-border initiative dedicated to advancing nanotechnology and strengthening collaborations between academia and industry. Three institutions within the NanoPrecMed consortium are at the forefront of AFM research: JKU Linz, the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria and Brno University of Technology (TU Brno).