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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: 1st - 2nd July 2026 - University of Ulster (Belfast Campus)

General theme: Surface Analysis combining Imaging and Spectroscopy

Registration can be made online - Click here

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.

UKSAF Summer Meeting 2026

1st-2nd July 2026, Ulster University (Belfast Campus)

York Street, Belfast BT15 1ED, Northern Ireland

Surface Analysis combining Imaging and Spectroscopy

Showcasing a variety of techniques including X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry, Atomic Force Microscopy and Kelvin Probe Microscopy, Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy, Scanning Helium Microscopy, Electron Microscopy, Advanced Contact Angle, and more.

Applications include quantum materials, biological and biomedical systems, photovoltaics, electrocatalysts, ferroelectrics, and more.

Conference Banquet at 7 pm, 1st July, at The Merchant Hotel

16 Skipper Street, Belfast BT1 2DZ, https://www.themerchanthotel.com/

Informal social: Tues 30th June, from 6 pm, at Harp Bar

35 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2NB, https://dukeofyorkbelfast.com/venues/harp-bar/

 

Confirmed speakers (final additions will be announced soon)

 

Amir Farokh Payam, Ulster University

Combined AFM and XPS techniques to study quantum and metal organic framework materials

Grzegorz Greczynski, Linkoping University

Binding Energy Referencing in X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Jennifer Li Lu, Nottingham University

Exploring SIMS Imaging Applications Across Biological Samples

Ross Hatton, University of Warwick

Zinc: a remarkable metal with potential applications in organic photovoltaics  

Sonia Antoranz Contera, University of Oxford

AFM in biological and biomedical applications

Brian Rodriguez, University College Dublin

Environmental Effects in Ferroelectrics Probed by SPM

Ursel Bangert, University of Limerick

Revealing structure and dynamics of materials envisaged for quantum device development

Akhila Ajith, University of Manchester

Developing practical mass spectrometry imaging tools to visualise agrochemical distribution in plants

Glen McHale, University of Edinburgh

Wettability and Contact Line Friction: From Liquid-like to Superhydrophobic Surfaces

Harry Taylor, University of Manchester

Structural Insights into Nanoscale Electrocatalyst Systems using AFM and STM, and Dual-Anode XPS Thickness Profiling

Jack Kelsall, University of Cambridge

Probing surface order at delicate surfaces with atom diffraction from a microscopic spot

The UK Surface Analysis Forum meeting is graciously supported by:

Information will be available soon.

Belfast Campus, Ulster University, York Street, Belfast BT15 1ED, Northern Ireland
 
The Conference Banquet will be at 7 pm, Weds 1st July, at The Merchant Hotel (£80 separate reservation required upon registration)
16 Skipper Street, Belfast  BT1 2DZ, https://www.themerchanthotel.com/
 
An informal social congregation will be at Harp Bar, 35 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2NB, from 6 pm on Tues 30th June, for those arriving the evening before. @David Cant https://dukeofyorkbelfast.com/venues/harp-bar/

UKSAF Chair

David Morgan
Cardiff University
morgandj3@cardiff.ac.uk

Recording Secretary

Anna Kotowska
University of Nottingham
anna.kotowska@nottingham.ac.uk

Treasurer

Keith R. Hallam
University of Bristol,
k.r.hallam@bristol.ac.uk

Prizes co-ordinator

Alex Shard
National Physical Laboratory
alex.shard@npl.co.uk

Meeting Liaison

Ben Spencer
University of Manchester
ben.spencer@manchester.ac.uk

Website

Gustavo F. Trindade
National Physical Laboratory
gustavo.trindade@npl.co.uk

Vendor Liaison

Marc Walker
University of Warwick
m.walker@warwick.ac.uk

Communications

Benjamen Reed
National Physical Laboratory
benjamen.reed@npl.co.uk

Our next meeting will be at Ulster University (Belfast Campus), provisionally July 1-2. Please stay tuned to this account and the UKSAF website for updates!

Thank you to our vendors & students with posters for supporting the UK Surface Analysis Forum Meeting today.

@DylanJamesSci
@blue_scientific
@CNTech1
@thermofisher
@HidenAnalytical
VSM Instruments
@scienta_omicron
Surface Analysis Instruments
@KratosAnalytial
@IonoptikaLtd

4

Our final session features Robin Simpson presenting on femtosecond laser ablation XPS and Shaoliang Guan speaking on transition metal dichalcogenides.

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We are at @UKSAF1 today, head on down and chat to our team. There is a lot to talk about.
#research #surfacescience #thinfilm #SpinningRotorGauge #spectroscopy #vacuumtechnology #vacuumscience #vacuumchamber
#ultrahighvacuum #surfaceanalysis #materialsresearch #nanotechnology

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Contact Us

Please contact UKSAF using the form below