The ETSF is committed to high-quality training of young scientists within the ETSF network on ab initio techniques for the treatment of electronic excitations. Typically this is achieved through
- augmenting the local training programmes available in each local team with network-wide training events and online training material, and
- opportunities for research visits and placements for research students and more senior scientists between ETSF teams within collaborative research projects.
Some ETSF training is available to ETSF and non-ETSF scientists alike:
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Many individual ETSF research teams welcome approaches from non-ETSF scientists for collaborative visits, which may include a training element as well as research.
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Hands-on training schools are designed to train researchers, both from the ETSF teams and outside, on Theory and Applications of Spectroscopic tools in Material Science and Nanoscience. They are directed not only at young researchers but to anyone who wants to develop his knowledge and skills in theoretical spectroscopy.
These schools are characterized by full-time intensive programs, limited enrolment, highly available computer facilities, and informal environment; all elements that contribute to building the success of the events.
Very often some speakers are asked to deliver several hour-long lectures spread over the course of the schools and workshops. This format allowed the speakers to spend ample time educating students about their fields as well as to present their latest results.
As a byproduct, students especially enjoy the school's many opportunities for informal interaction with the lecturers. During informal late-afternoon "tutorials," small groups of students have ample time to ask individual lecturers deeper scientific or even technical questions.
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Online learning: We are establishing modular training units (training exercises, tutorial material), for on-line learning. These modules form a starting point for more substantial web-based distance learning, which we envisage would extend to components of the proposed graduate programme. The e-learning platform will be available at the address http://evo.polytechnique.fr/moodle
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European Graduate Modules. ETSF scientists are also involved in preparing European Graduate Modules, in which ECTS credits will be awarded, linked with hands-on traning schools. Depending on the school and the official amount of studying/working hours, several ECTS can be accredited. For example, the Theoretical Spectroscopy Lectures that takes regularly place at the CECAM (last edition in 2018) have a workload for the students compatible with 4 ETCS.