OPERA Workshop in Madrid

From 28^th September to 2^nd October 2026, we held our final workshop at La Cristalera in Miraflores de la Sierra (Madrid). We brought together the consortium to celebrate the achievements of the project and discuss future research directions.

The workshop was divided into two parts.

The first two days (28th to 29th September 2026) were dedicated to our junior researchers. The program included tutorial sessions, in which early-career researchers introduced the experimental and computational techniques used by them, as well as presentations of their research results and a poster session. These activities provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge, showcase scientific achievements, strengthen professional networks, and foster the development of both scientific and transferable skills.

The second part of the workshop (30^thSeptember to 2^nd October 2026) focused on the scientific achievements of OPERA, with particular emphasis on interface research, operando techniques, and knowledge exchange. In addition to presenting the project’s main outcomes, we engaged with leading external researchers working in related areas. By creating an open forum for discussion, we exchanged ideas, learned about the latest advances in the field, and broadened the impact of OPERA. This interaction also helped identify complementary expertise and potential opportunities for future collaborations and synergies.

The final workshop therefore served not only as the closing event of the project, but also as a starting point for future research initiatives. How can the results be further exploited? What are the next scientific challenges? Which open questions deserve further investigation? By bringing together the OPERA consortium and invited experts, we stimulated new collaborations and research directions that will continue to advance the field beyond the lifetime of the project.

All participants were accommodated at the La Cristalera Residence to be close to the event location.

On Thursday evening we visited Segovia, a historic UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its Roman aqueduct, medieval architecture, and beautiful old town.