The UK Surface Analysis Forum
A society for scientists from academia and industry with a common interest in the techniques and applications of surface analysis

The UK Surface Analysis Forum (UKSAF) is a society for scientists from academia and industry with a common interest in the techniques and applications of surface analysis. It meets twice yearly, in January and July, to discuss the latest research and issues of interest to the surface analysis community and to exchange views on current trends. In addition to these regular meetings the group collaborates with other scientific and industrial groups to promote and communicate the vital role played by surface analysis in both industry and academia.
Although the society is based in the UK, membership is open to all and we encourage participants from institutions outside the UK. To join the group, simply register and attend the next meeting.
We are always keen to hear from researchers using surface analytical tools and especially about new advances in techniques and methods. If you are interested in hosting or speaking at one of our meetings, please contact the UKSAF Chair, or any committee member with an overview/abstract so this can be considered for future meetings.
Next Meeting: 15th - 16th July 2025 - National Physical Laboratory
Note a XPS measurement and Analysis Workshop will be held on Monday 14th July, supported by the SMURFnano project.
Theme: Measurement Challenges Past and Future
Payment should be in GBP Sterling in advance. We now charge a single registration fee. There is no meeting fee for invited speakers, whilst the meeting fee for students and unemployed/retired members is discounted. VAT receipts cannot be provided as there is NO VAT content in the costs of the meeting. 15th - 16th of July, 2025 National Physical Laboratory (scroll down for programme in text format) On the 14th of July, the National Physical Laboratory will be hosting an XPS training workshop, aimed at beginners to intermediate level users of XPS. This workshop takes place immediately before the summer UKSAF, also hosted at NPL, on the 15th and 16th of July. The workshop will include a combination of talks and analysis exercises, so attendees should make sure to bring a laptop with them to get the most benefit from the programme, which includes sessions with XPS experts from around the globe. The full agenda can be found below. This workshop is supported by the European Metrology Programme project ‘SMURFnano – Standardized Measurements of Surface Functionalities on Nanoparticles’. A general introduction to XPS and the theory behind XPS measurements An overview of the typical components of an XPS instrument, and how they influence acquired data (and how to mitigate such influences). An overview of sample preparation methods and concerns for XPS, including do’s and don’ts. An overview of performing a basic elemental quantification, using CasaXPS software for example purposes, including applying required calibration data. An introduction to the basics of performing a peak-fit – focused on the C 1s spectrum for convenience and ubiquity. Long Coffee break with examples of both elemental quantification and peak fitting for attendees to attempt, with people on hand to help. The meeting will be hosted at the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington, a short distance south-west of London. There are several options for accommodation near NPL. The following hotels are within reasonable distance by walk or public transport to NPL, we recommend booking soon if you have not already. National Physical Laboratory The NPL Teddington postcode is TW11 0LW Our Teddington site sits within the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), if your vehicle doesn't meet the ULEZ emissions standards and is not exempt, you will need to pay a £12.50 daily charge to drive within the zone. You can check your vehicle and find out more details on the Transport for London Ultra Low Emission Zone website. We endeavour to be a disability-friendly site, but if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made prior to your visit or have any questions please contact us. Buses: 33, 281, 285, 481, R68 and SL7 all serve Teddington. Trains: Regular services connect Teddington with London Waterloo in approximately 30 minutes. From Heathrow: Routes 285, and the faster SL7 both connect Teddington with Heathrow Airport. A taxi journey will take approximately 30 minutes. We will be hosting a conference dinner at The Wharf Restaurant, Teddington, on the evening of the 15th of July, starting at 7pm. This meal is included in the cost of your ticket (and thanks to the support of our generous vendors) – please indicate during registration if you wish to attend, and an email will be circulated closer to the event to request your menu choices. In addition, if you are attending the XPS workshop on the 14th, or if you arrive the evening before the event, we will be holding an informal gathering in the evening at the Teddington Arms from 7pm onwards. Registration can be made online - Click here
UKSAF Summer Meeting 2025
XPS Measurement and Analysis Workshop
14th July 2025
National Physical Laboratory, Teddington
XPS Workshop Monday 14th July: Agenda
XPS Workshop Monday 14th July: Agenda
09:00 – Welcome and Introduction
09:15 – Session 1 (1 hr): General Introduction to XPS Theory – Alex Shard, NPL
10:15 – Session 2 (45 min): Instrumentation and Calibration – Ben Reed, NPL
11:15 – Session 3 (45 min) Sample Preparation – Dave Morgan, University of Cardiff
12:00 – Session 4 (30 min) Intro to Elemental Quantification – David Cant, NPL
12:30 – Lunch Break
13:30 – Session 4.5 (30 min) Intro to Peak Fitting – Carbon 1s – David Cant, NPL
14:00 – Data Analysis Coffee Break
Afternoon Session: Specialist topics
14:45 – Session 5 (45 mins) Analysis of Transition Metals – Mark Biesinger, Surface Science Western
15:15 – Session 6 (45 mins) Analysis of Nanoparticles – Jörg Radnik, BAM
16:15 – Session 7 (45 mins) Analysis of the Inelastic Background – Ben Spencer, University of Manchester
17:00 – Final session – General Discussion and Troubleshooting
Hampton Road
Teddington
Middlesex
TW11 0LW
(Please note that the main entrance to NPL is on Hampton Road)Public transport
Please note that local buses do not accept cash. See the TfL website for accepted payment methods.