Psi-k is a worldwide network of researchers working on the advancement of first-principles computational materials science. Its mission is to develop fundamental theory, algorithms, and computer codes in order to understand, predict, and design materials properties and functions. Key activities of Psi-k are the organization of conferences, workshops, tutorials and training schools as well as the dissemination of scientific thinking in society [Excerpt from the mission statement at https://psi-k.net/].

In normal years Psi-k typically funds schools (1-2 weeks), workshops (2-3 days), international conferences (2-5 days), and codes/methods tutorials (3 days-1 week), with a focus on electronic-structure methods, developments, and applications. Funding is of the order of 4,000/8,000/12,000 €, depending on size and duration (as a guideline, 30 €/expected participant/day); Psi-k funds around 25-35 activities for every call (see here https://psi-k.net/workshops/ for the 2020-21 activities).

For this call, while we plan to support some of these more traditional activities, we also call for a renewed focus on, attention to and ingenious development of novel models in research sharing, dissemination, teaching, and discussion – the freedom of our Charity allows us to consider less conventional proposals with funding devoted to digital or remote approaches.

We have a two-step application process to simplify and streamline applications, elicit more original proposals, improve planning, and avoid duplication of efforts. The present call for pre-proposals is for events that will take place between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022.

Please note: for this year only events that take place in August and September 2021 will NOT be considered for funding to avoid a clash with the rescheduled Psi-k Conference that will take place in Lausanne, 23-27 August 2021.

Pre-proposals should be submitted online by Friday 31 July 2020 (midnight UK time), describing the planned event (download a draft of the form here). Psi-k Working Groups (https://psi-k.net/groups) and Trustees (https://psi-k.net/admin/) will either approve this pre-proposal for full submission, reject it, or suggest a merger between different activities – you are very welcome to contact the relevant Working Group leaders or members beforehand.

Feedback will be provided the week of Monday 21 September 2020. Pre-proposals that have been approved or mergers that have been successfully negotiated will then be invited to submit a full proposal by Friday 30 October 2020. These proposals will then be evaluated and approved – with full or partial funding – or declined at the meeting of the Trustees, Scientific Advisory Committee (https://psi-k.net/scientific-advisory-committee/) and Working Group leaders on Friday 27 November 2020.

The evaluation of the pre-proposals and full proposals will be based on:

1. the scientific quality of the proposal,
2. its intellectual inclusiveness and diversity of representatives,
3. the scientific merit of the organizers, and
4. appropriateness of budget, while of course
5. responding to the Psi-k mission statement

SUBMIT YOUR PRE-PROPOSALS HERE.

Dear Psi-k’ers,

As mentioned earlier, the COVID-19 created much uncertainty regarding whether the Psi-k conference could be held this year. It has now been decided by the Board of Trustees that it is indeed not possible to ensure that the conference can take place this September. The conference is therefore postponed to next year, and it will be held on August 23-26, 2021, preserving the same format, plenary and invited speakers, and symposia.

The registration platform will be reopened later this year – we will contact you directly in the coming days in case you had already registered for this year.

We are in the process of reconfirming the participation of the speakers.

Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to meeting you next year!

Best regards,

Nicola Marzari
Psi-k conference organization

SwissTech Convention Centre, Lausanne, Switzerland
Monday 14 – Thursday 17 September 2020

IMPORTANT NOTICE

With the current COVID-19 situation causing the cancellation of major events and conferences around the world, there is now significant uncertainty regarding Psi-k 2020 as well. Although we are still hoping that the conference can take place as planned, we are following the evolution of the situation closely and expect to have a clearer idea in the next few weeks regarding whether to maintain the event, or whether to postpone it to next year.

In order to avoid incurring any potential cancellation costs, we recommend that you refrain from making any travel plans for the time being.

The registration system has been suspended until a final decision is made — if the conference is maintained this year, all registration deadlines will be extended. Participants who had already registered will be contacted once a final decision is made.

Thank you for your patience in these exceptional time, and stay safe!

This is the largest event worldwide in first-principles simulations; it is held every 5 years (the last two editions, in Berlin in 2010 and in San Sebastian in 2015, had more than 1000 participants each), and with 7 plenary talks, 140 invited talks, and 170 contributed talks it promises to be the most exciting, defining event in the field.

Early-bird deadline is May 1, 2020 – one can register right away, and submit an abstract later (by May 1, 2020, to be considered for a contributed talk, or by Aug. 1, 2020, for a poster). All information – including registration, program, accommodation, and childcare – is available at https://www.psik2020.net. Continue reading Registration for Psi-k 2020 is now open!!! →

How much do you know about one of the founders of Psi-k Volker Heine, who is considered a pioneer of theoretical and computational studies of the electronic structure of solids and liquids and the determination of physical properties derived from it?

Psi-k awards the Volker Heine Prize for young researchers during the Psi-k Get Together at the Spring DPG Meetings in Germany – the last was awarded in Berlin in 2018 – but who is Volker Heine?

Have a look at Volker’s Wikipedia page and read more about his life, research and achievements.