HoW exciting! 2026
Welcome to HoW exciting! 2026
Electronic and lattice excitations are central to many areas of science and technology, ranging from fundamental physics to applications in optoelectronics, energy conversion, and medical technologies. A deep understanding of these excitations, together with the ability to accurately predict and model them, is essential for discovering new materials, designing innovative devices, and improving the efficiency and performance of existing systems. In this context, ab initio theoretical spectroscopy methods play a critical role by providing predictive, parameter-free access to material properties at the atomic scale from first principles. Modern electronic-structure methods span ground- and excited-state properties and enable the simulation of light-matter interaction, lattice dynamics, and non-equilibrium phenomena, with ongoing efforts to treat these aspects within a unified computational framework. Current developments focus not only on accuracy, but also on efficiency, scalability, and the consistent coupling of complementary theoretical approaches, as implemented in contemporary electronic-structure codes.
This workshop aims to connect different ab initio approaches to theoretical spectroscopy with experimental perspectives on excitations in solids. It brings together researchers from diverse backgrounds in a collaborative and welcoming environment. The program combines overview lectures by leading experts with hands-on tutorial sessions, during which participants will perform practical calculations using the exciting code, guided by its developers and experienced users.
HoW exciting! 2026 will be held at the Campus Adlershof of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin from July 22-30, 2026
Details on the workshop on excitations in solids:
In this international workshop, we will discuss the latest developments in ab initio approaches to theoretical spectroscopy as well as their connections to experimental methods.
Key aspects of this workshop are:
- Introducing state-of-the-art theoretical and computational methods for describing electronic, optical, and vibrational excitations in condensed matter systems;
- Discussing current limitations and future perspectives of these methodologies and their application to complex materials;
- Reviewing forefront experimental approaches to probe such excitations, including the latest time-resolved techniques;
- Providing hands-on training through guided tutorial sessions to equip early-career and advanced participants with practical experience to complement and deepen their theoretical understanding;
- Including efficient and user-friendly workflows for highly complex calculations;
- Fostering a collaborative environment to promote exchange and connections between theoretical and experimental groups, providing complementary perspectives.
The workshop is organized in topical sessions, including invited and contributed talks as well as a poster session.
Please note: The workshop is scheduled to start on Wednesday, July 22, from 1 pm until Thursday, July 30, at 1 pm.
| Important dates | Registration information |
|---|---|
| Until April 10, 2026 | Early-bird registration and payment: fee reduced by 100 € |
| April 10 – May 22, 2026 | Standard payment |
| After May 22, 2026 | Post-deadline registration upon availability at an additional charge of 100 € |
| Conference option | Fees |
|---|---|
| The conference fee covers accommodation in double rooms, snacks, coffee breaks, conference materials, and a social event. Accommodation in single rooms is available for a surcharge of 45 EUR per night. | 1390 € |
| Fee for participants coming from the Berlin area (without accommodation) | 850 € |
Supporting information about the payment procedure will be sent after registration.
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