Thermal Analysis Schools are a series of specialized scientific and training events organized continuously since 1996, which over the course of nearly three decades have become one of the most important events in the Polish environment dealing with thermal analysis and calorimetry. Their main goal is to systematically improve the qualifications of researchers employed at universities and doctoral students, in scientific research institutes and in industrial laboratories, for whom thermal analysis methods are a daily tool for research and application work. These schools create a space for the exchange of experiences between scientists, equipment suppliers, technologists and industry representatives.
The history of the Schools of Thermal Analysis dates back to 1996, when on the initiative of Prof. Andrzej Małecki and Prof. AGH Barbara Małecka, associated with the Department of Inorganic Chemistry of the Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics of AGH, in close cooperation with the Board of the Polish Society of Calorimetry and Thermal Analysis, the first edition - SAT'96 - was organized. It took place in Zakopane and started a tradition of cyclical schools-seminars, which over time gained the status of an important forum for the exchange of knowledge and experience and became a place for educating next generations of specialists in the field of thermal analysis.
Over the years, the Schools have developed both in terms of content and organization, increasing the number of participants and expanding the thematic scope. They are now a platform that not only integrates the scientific community, but also builds a bridge between science and industry, supporting the development of new technologies, materials innovations and advanced research methods used in many key sectors of the economy.
The program of subsequent editions of the SAT included both lectures and workshops. The lectures were conducted by recognized experts - professors, experienced researchers and practitioners - who presented the theoretical foundations, the latest achievements and development perspectives of thermal analysis methods, both basic, such as TG and DSC and, as well as more advanced and newer ones, including coupled and modulated methods. Participants have the opportunity to learn the principles of interpretation of measurement data, taking into account complex physicochemical phenomena and the specificity of various groups of materials: polymers, ceramics, functional materials, composites, metal alloys, natural raw materials, pharmaceutical materials, biomaterials or high-energy substances. Particular emphasis is placed on the practical aspects of conducting research, methodological correctness, assessment of the reliability of results and the selection of technique for a specific research task.
An integral part of the Schools are also presentations of modern analytical equipment and software, as well as workshops conducted with the participation of manufacturers and technical specialists. Thanks to them, participants can gain practical skills in operating instruments, learn about the latest analysis standards, calibration procedures, optimization of operating parameters and ways of solving experimental problems. These events are also an opportunity to learn about technological trends, such as hybrid techniques, advanced data processing models, and the growing role of computer simulations and machine learning in interpreting complex results.