Han-sur-Lesse Winterschool
(in summer) on
`Soft matter and biological physics’

The next (34rd) Han-sur-Lesse Winterschool (in summer) is from June 22 – 26, 2025.

The Han-sur-Lesse winterschool (in summer) for soft matter and biological physics has a long tradition to train PhD candidates/PostDocs  in the basics of equilibrium and non-equilibrium aspects of soft matter and biophysics theory and applications. Every year, up to 35 students come to the Belgian Ardennes town of Han-sur-Lesse to learn from distinguished senior scientists from across the Dutch universities such as Technical University Delft, University of Amsterdam, Free University of Amsterdam, Utrecht University, University of Twente, Technical University Eindhoven, Leiden University, and Wageningen University.

From Monday to Friday, a series of lectures with a common theme is presented, with a shared emphasis on both equilibrium and dynamical aspects. Participants are advised to look at the schedule for the current year for the selection of topics. We expect the applicants to have an MSc-entry level in Physical Chemistry, Soft Matter, Applied Physics, Biophysics, or a comparable study.

From Monday to Friday a series of lectures with a common theme is presented with alternating emphasis on Equilibrium  and Dynamical aspects. Because of this alternating selection of topics we encourage all PhD students to enroll in two consecutive year. Topics vary, but typically one can expect to learn about: statistical thermodynamics, computer simulations, scattering techniques, wetting phenomena, colloid assemblies, liquid crystals, (non-equilibrium) thermodynamics, polymer theory, rheology, forces in biology. We expect that the applicants have an MSc- entry level in physical chemistry or comparable study.

Keywords that characterize this school are: state of the art lectures; problem solving; personal coaching; relaxed atmosphere, nature hikes, excellent food (also for vegetarians), socializing drinks, organized transportation from/to Utrecht central station.

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