Training and research-based support play a very important role at the Institute, via its association with the CEA/INSTN, and interventions by several ICSM researchers and research professors.
Practical summer schools have enabled us to welcome researchers interested in the content of our research programmes, experimental projects, and the methods developed at the ICSM.
The programme lasts one week and is organised in collaboration with our partners (CEA/INSTN), and has been integrated into the activities of the Balard Research Centre since it was created. These practical European summer schools, which aim to achieve a level of pluridisciplinarity and attractiveness comparable to the Ecole des Houches for physicists, offer basic courses and specialised training on timely subjects.
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In 2006, the central theme was the preparation and characterisation of mesoporous materials. The School was run at the Charles Gerhardt Institute, except for the visit and the electronic microscope training part of the practical exercises completed during the programme.
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In 2007, liquid-liquid extraction was the topic of study: all participants participated in various extraction experiments, which were then discussed in terms of concepts such as self-association and the organisation of complex fluids which were explained in detail during the courses. Practical exercises were completed at Marcoule, in particular at the VISIATOME.
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In 2008, the School became European and was taught in English: the experimental theme was the preparation and dispersion of nanometric colloids (or nanoparticles) using techniques of fine chemistry in solvents, which was compared to innovative methods such as sonochemistry.
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In 2009, the School was run in association with the CETAMA (Analytical Methods Committee) and DSV (Life Science Devices)/Marcoule. The main topic was filter separation assisted by complexation. The practical exercises were done at Marcoule and participants worked on the “teaching” platform using AFM microscopes, which are serviced and also used by the CEA/DSV for training courses in cellular biology. This equipment is now available for other continuing education or training activities.
