The first European School on Superconductivity and Magnetism in Quantum Materials (#ESSM24) has brought together more than 70 young researchers and recognized international experts in superconductivity and magnetism in Gandía between April 21 and 25. The ESSM24 has provided a series of foundational lectures while also delving into the latest developments of these disciples, including the synergies that these interdisciplinary fields offer when combined in new advanced materials and devices.

The school is part of the COST action “Superconducting nanodevices and quantum materials for coherent manipulation” (SuperQumap) and has been chaired by José J. Baldoví, distinguished researcher of the Gen-T Plan of the Generalitat Valenciana at the Institute of Molecular Science of the Universitat de València, leader of the 2D Smart Materials group and one of the two representatives of Spain on the management committee of said COST action, which brings together centers from 29 countries. The organizing committee was formed by Baldoví and professors José Lado (Aalto University, Finland), Francesco Tafuri (University of Naples, Italy) and Hermann Suderow (Autonomous University of Madrid).

For four days, 60 predoctoral researchers and young postdocs working in institutions from 17 different European countries have been able to interact with renowned experts in superconductivity and magnetism. The program included 10 master lectures, 2 specialized invited talks, oral communications and two poster sessions, as well as a cultural visit to the castle and historic center of Xàtiva, where they were received by the mayor of the town.

At the closing, José Jaime Baldoví congratulated all attendees and highlighted the high level of participation of the youngest, as well as the high level of the lectures. “Activities like this school, in which researchers from 17 different countries exchange knowledge and interact in a relaxed atmosphere, are essential to increase our creativity,” said Baldoví, highlighting the importance of interactions between scientists to advance knowledge and strengthen research, primary objective of COST actions.

This is the third face-to-face activity of the COST SuperQumap action, after the “International Meeting on Superconducting Quantum Materials and Nanodevices” in Budva (Montenegro) and the “International Workshop on Superconductivity and Magnetism in Two-dimensional Films and Heterostructures” in Bath (United Kingdom) that took place in April and September 2023, respectively.