Electro-Summer 2026 | Gdańsk University of Technology

Day 1: Time-resolved impedance methods

• Time-resolved and non-stationary impedance techniques
• Mechanistic interpretation of complex electrochemical responses
• Distribution of relaxation times (DRT)
• Experimental design for operando studies

Day 2: A spectroscopic view of electrified interfaces

• Operando and in situ Raman spectroscopy
• Surface- and interface-sensitive spectroscopic methods
• Combining electrochemical and spectroscopic data
• Critical evaluation of mechanistic conclusions

Day 3: Advanced carbon-based electrodes

• Nanostructured carbon electrodes
• Boron-doped diamond materials
• Laser-fabricated and additively manufactured electrodes
• Addressing drift, contamination, and reproducibility issues

Learning outcomes

• Understanding dynamic electrified interfaces
• Designing experiments for non-stationary systems
• Selecting appropriate operando and in situ monitoring strategies
• Interpreting impedance and time-resolved data
• Combining electrochemical and spectroscopic data analysis
• Critically evaluating experimental limitations
• Applying knowledge of interfaces to sensors, bioelectrochemistry, and energy systems

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of electrochemistry, materials engineering, or nanotechnology is recommended. Previous experience with electrochemical techniques is welcome but not required.

Structure

• ~6 hours of lectures
• ~18 hours of interactive workshops
• 3-hour poster and networking session

Assessment

Completion requires active participation and submission of short reports focused on data interpretation and experimental design.

All lectures and the panel discussion are open to the entire academic community. Admission is free, with no fees and no registration required. We invite PhD students, students, and researchers from Gdańsk University of Technology and the universities of the Fahrenheit University Association.

Laboratory classes conducted in parallel are reserved for school participants. After the lecture sessions, we invite you – as usual – for a pizza.

Wednesday, 23 September, 8:30–10:30 – opening session

• Dr Željko Janićijević – Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf
  Design Thinking for Electrochemical Biosensing Devices: The Measurement Perspective
  His work combines biomaterials, biosensors, and bioelectronics; since 2025, he has been leading a team in the Department of Nano-Microsystems for Life Sciences at HZDR. He has been prototyping complex electronic systems for communication with (bio)chemical and biological systems for over a decade.
• Dr Paweł Wityk – Gdańsk University of Technology / Medical University of Gdańsk
  Biosensors and Multi-Omics Profiling for Translational Diagnostics
  Biochemist working in the field of medical chemistry and clinical diagnostics, developing biosensors for the needs of translational medicine. Working at the crossroads of two universities in Gdańsk allows him to conduct research from the level of molecular mechanisms to clinical material.
• Prof. Jacek Ryl – Gdańsk University of Technology
  Fundamental Challenges with Impedimetric Measurements. Introduction to Dynamic Monitoring
  Professor of materials engineering and electrochemist, co-chair of the 43rd ISE Topical Meeting. His research deals with measurements of non-stationary systems, impedance analysis, surface engineering, biosensors, and rapid manufacturing technologies.

Wednesday, 23 September, 14:00–14:45

• Dr Mohsen Khodadadi Yazdi – Gdańsk University of Technology
  Surface Engineering for Electrochemical Biosensors: Chemistry, Functional Materials, and Operando Characterization
  Specialist in functional polymers and surface chemistry. His research concerns the design of receptor and protective layers that determine the sensitivity and durability of electrochemical biosensors, environmentally responsive hydrogels, and biosensors.

Thursday, 24 September, 11:15–13:15

• Prof. Scott Donne – University of Newcastle; PRC for Frontier Energy Technologies and Utilization
  Electrochemical Methods of Interfacial Characterization
  An electrochemist with many years of experience in the field of energy storage – manganese oxides, cells, and supercapacitors – and in methods of characterization of electrode materials. He also works with thermochemical production of hydrogen from solar energy, the use of biochar to improve soil properties, and the immobilization of heavy metals.
• Dr Yvonne Gründer – University of Liverpool
  In-situ and Operando X-ray Characterization of Electrochemical Interfaces
  In her work, she uses synchrotron radiation to understand the structure and reactions at the electrode–electrolyte interface on the atomic scale, under operating conditions. She is a Royal Society University Research Fellow.
• Dr Izabela Lewińska – University of Warsaw
  Paper-based Analytical Devices: Opportunities and Challenges in Electrochemical Sensing
  She works with analytical devices based on paper substrates and simple detection systems intended for point-of-care applications. Her lecture will show where the advantages of a cheap, disposable substrate end and where real metrological limitations begin.

Thursday, 24 September, 16:30–18:00 – open panel discussion

How to measure and design sensors?

A panel with the participation of school lecturers, devoted to what in practice determines the reliability of sensor measurements: from the selection of techniques and control tests to transferring a system from the laboratory to a real sample.

Friday, 25 September, 14:30–15:15 – closing lecture

• Prof. Nikita Kavokine – École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
  Friction and Liquid-Electron Coupling at Solid-Liquid Interfaces
  Theoretical physicist working at the interface of nanofluidics and condensed matter physics, addressing the issue of quantum friction of water on carbon surfaces. In Gdańsk, he will talk about phenomena that constitute an alternative to Faradaic electrodes when converting ionic current into electron current.

Due to the interactive format and limited number of participants, admission to the school is competitive. Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Educational background and CV
• Relevance of the applicant's research to electrochemistry
• Motivation and interest in operando methodologies
• Participation in the 43rd Topical Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry
• Diversity of research topics and geographical representation

Important: participation in the open programme – lectures and the panel discussion – does not require registration. Registration is required for participation in the full summer school programme, including laboratory classes.

23–25 September 2026

Gdańsk University of Technology, Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics
Nanotechnology Centre A (building 4), Auditorium 3/11

Advanced Materials Centre of Gdańsk University of Technology