ASCOS XIII – 20. – 27. July 2025 | Leon, Spain

In line with the ASCOS philosophy, the objective ASCOS 2025 – the 13^th in the framework of the ASCOS series – is to provide young scientists from various disciplines a privileged atmosphere where they can learn about both the fundamentals the new challenges in the different areas related to optical chemical and biochemical sensors, have an exhaustive view on their applications and interact with some leading scientists in these fields.

ASCOS events follow a model that strongly stimulates interaction among the students and the expert tutors. Lectures will cover both fundamental theory and basics at a level accessible for every participant and exciting latest development of related technologies. The students will be challenged to apply their knowledge in solving specific real-life problems using optical sensors systems. Aided by the expert tutors, small groups of participants from different countries will work together during the course and will, at the last day of the event, present their solution to an audience representing the international scientific community.

Jointly organized in a truely inter-European effort by the University of Leon, the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and the University of East Anglia, we will be covering latest developments as well as basic principles of the diverse range of sensor techniques, probes and bioassays that rely on opto-chemical sensing principles. At the same time, emerging applications and commercial aspects of sensor development will be discussed.

Complementing the scientific programme, there will be ample opportunity for socialising and networking, thus facilitating the other major aim of ASCOS: to form a network of interdisciplinary and international contacts and cooperation. The latter is probably the greatest asset in modern science.

ASCOS courses target top-class young scientists from all fields related to optical chemical sensor development and application, from Master level upwards. You are encouraged to take this unique chance to meet leading people in the field under friendly, relaxed conditions, learn new skills and ideas from renowned tutors and fellow participants, and form contacts that may be explored in the future.

On behalf of the whole organising committee, we look forward to seeing you in Leon.