Abstract

The 2021 GRC on Chemical Reactions at Surfaces will be held in Lucca (Barga), Italy, between August 1-6, 2021. The conference will assemble an interdisciplinary group of world-class experts with background in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics and materials science to present on and discuss fundamental aspects of surface and interface chemistry, relevant to a wide range of technological challenges. Thematic topics include: reactions at single crystal model surfaces, state-of-the-art theoretical methods unraveling fundamental mechanistic insights at the molecular level, reactions at electrified interfaces relevant to applications for energy production and storage, such as fuel cells and batteries. In addition, the latest developments in advanced surface characterization methods, including in situ spectroscopies and microscopies will be highlighted by world-leaders in the field. The success of the conference in attracting a highly diverse group of participants from across the globe has been consistently demonstrated since 1993, when the first GRC in this series took place. Starting in 2013 the meeting alternates between a location in Europe and a location in the US. Continuing with that tradition, we seek to engage an international group of speakers, discussion leaders, and participants in Lucca (Barga), Italy in 2021. Funds supporting the conference will be used to assist participants, especially young scientists who would otherwise be unable to attend: postdoctoral fellows, senior graduate students and junior faculty. The informal culture of the conference makes for an ideal ground for developing and fostering new scientific collaborations and life-long mentorships of future leaders in the field by world-class established scientists. Immediately before the GRC, a Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) will be held at the same location, whereby young scientists will have the opportunity to network with their peers and to familiarize themselves with the spirit of the subsequent GRC.