The Vibrational Spectroscopy GRS provides a unique forum for young doctoral and post-doctoral researchers to present their work, discuss new methods, cutting edge ideas, and pre-published data, as well as to build collaborative relationships with their peers. Experienced mentors and trainee moderators will facilitate active participation in scientific discussion to allow all attendees to be engaged participants rather than spectators.
The theme for the 2026 Vibrational Spectroscopy GRS is on using state-of-the-art methods to access the structure and dynamics across a multitude of different length and time scales. Within this broad theme, a particular emphasis will be on new developments in time-resolved spectroscopy and vibrational imaging, aiming to bring forward new methods for gaining unprecedented access to the important structural and dynamical information across a wide range of sample systems.
In addition to giving junior researchers the opportunity to present and discuss their work on a variety of topics within this theme, the GRS will also feature a few senior researchers who will give short ‘primer’ talks on selected techniques in Vibrational Spectroscopy and, through their own work, showcase how they can be used to uncover important information. The aim of these sessions is to highlight certain advanced methods that will strongly feature in the immediately following GRC, thus preparing junior members who might not yet be familiar with these techniques. The more experienced academics will then also come together to host a mentoring panel on navigating different career paths from a PhD. This will facilitate an open and informal discussion on what possibilities are open for young researchers after their doctoral studies and how best prepare themselves for different futures.
Overall, the GRS offers a unique platform for everyone to openly discuss ideas, learn from each other, and build their networks within the community.
Application Instructions
The seminar will feature approximately 10 talks and 2 poster sessions. All attendees are expected to actively participate in the GRS, either by giving an oral presentation or presenting a poster. Therefore, all applications must include an abstract.
The seminar chair will select speakers from abstracts submitted by April 26, 2026. Those applicants who are not chosen for talks and those who apply after the deadline to be considered for an oral presentation will be expected to present a poster. In order to participate, you must submit an application by the date indicated in the Application Information section above.
Program Format
Gordon Research Seminars are 2-day meetings which take place on the Saturday and Sunday just prior to the start of the associated GRC. The GRS opens with a 1-hour introductory session on Saturday afternoon, followed by a poster session, dinner and a 2-hour session in the evening. Sunday morning begins with breakfast and is followed by another 2-hour session, a second poster session, and lunch. A final 1-hour session takes place just after lunch, and the associated GRC begins later that evening.
