Activities

ALL-MICRO has developed an extensive programme of activities aimed at training, knowledge transfer, and stakeholder engagement.

Cross-training of Technical Personnel

Within the ALL-MICRO project, a comprehensive cross-border cross-training programme was carried out in Italy and Slovenia, involving project partners and their technical personnel. The initiative was designed to ensure that all members of the network are fully informed about the available microscopy techniques, instruments, and expertise, thereby strengthening internal capacity and fostering a shared technical understanding across the partnership.

The training in Italy (26th-27th September 2024) took place at the CIMA laboratories (University of Trieste) and at the IOM – Institute of Materials. The first day introduced participants to a wide range of advanced microscopy techniques, including structured illumination microscopy, correlative light and electron microscopy, multiphoton microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Sample preparation methods for SEM and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were also presented, along with an overview of the available systems and their specific requirements and applications. The second day, hosted at IOM, focused on hands-on demonstrations in smaller groups, covering high-resolution SEM imaging, elemental microanalysis (EDS), FIB-SEM technology for precise sample processing and 3D reconstruction, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and confocal microscopy for high-resolution 3D imaging of biological samples.

The training in Slovenia took place on 4–5 February 2025 at the University of Nova Gorica (Ajdovščina) and at the Nanocenter in Ljubljana. Activities were organised in small rotating groups and included practical sessions on sample preparation, SEM, TEM, AFM, and µ-Raman spectroscopy. The second day focused on advanced instrumentation such as FIB (Focused Ion Beam), 4-probe microscopy, and visits to the laboratories of the Jožef Stefan Institute and the University of Nova Gorica. Particular emphasis was placed on understanding the full range of techniques available within the network and on developing practical skills through direct interaction with the instruments.

Overall, the cross-training activities provided participants with in-depth exposure to state-of-the-art microscopy technologies, analytical methods, and sample preparation workflows available across the ALL-MICRO infrastructure. The initiative strengthened the internal coherence of the network, enhanced the technical competencies of the involved personnel, and facilitated knowledge exchange among partners. Participants expressed strong enthusiasm for the experience, and similar activities are planned to further reinforce collaboration and ensure effective use of the shared cross-border research infrastructure.

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Cross-training event (September 26–27)	Cross-training event (February 4–5)

Advanced Schools for Students and Researchers

The Autumn School on Optical Microscopy and the Winter School on Electron Microscopy represent complementary training initiatives aimed at strengthening advanced microscopy skills among early-career researchers within the programme area. Both activities successfully combined theoretical instruction with intensive hands-on experience, fostering both technical competence and cross-border scientific collaboration.

The Autumn School, held at the University of Trieste in October 2025 and organised by UniTs in collaboration with CIMA and CNR-IOM, brought together PhD students and postdoctoral researchers from Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. The programme covered a wide range of optical microscopy techniques, from fundamental principles to advanced applications such as super-resolution, confocal, and multiphoton imaging, as well as quantitative analysis. Lectures were complemented by participant presentations, poster sessions, and extensive networking activities, which encouraged scientific exchange and collaboration.

“What I appreciated the most at the Optical Microscopy School was the availability of all the personnel involved, both in explaining the theoretical concepts and in providing practical help. I can see that there is a true desire to share knowledge, foster new connections among early-career researchers and strengthen the network as well.”

Silene Fornasaro, PhD Student, SISSA, Trieste

Similarly, the Winter School on Electron Microscopy offers foundational training in SEM, TEM, and related techniques such as EDX and FIB, with a strong emphasis on imaging, diffraction, chemical microanalysis, and sample preparation. Organised in small groups and hosted between the University of Nova Gorica and the Nanocenter in Ljubljana, the course provides intensive hands-on experience through rotating laboratory sessions. Its interactive format promotes discussion, knowledge sharing, and the development of professional networks among young researchers and expert trainers.

Both schools prioritise practical training through small-group laboratory work, ensuring direct engagement with advanced instrumentation and methodologies. In addition to technical learning, they place strong emphasis on networking opportunities, fostering connections between researchers from different institutions and countries.

Overall, these initiatives significantly contribute to capacity building in advanced microscopy, supporting the development of a collaborative, well-trained community of young scientists in the Italy-Slovenia region. Participant feedback highlights the high quality of training, the value of hands-on sessions, and the importance of networking opportunities, with strong interest expressed in future editions of both schools.

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Autumn School on Optical Microscopy	Winter School on Electron Microscopy

Industry-Oriented Events

Within the ALL-MICRO project two cross-border public events were organised under activity D.2.2 to promote the project and strengthen collaboration between research and industry.

The first event was held on 29 May 2025 in Nova Gorica (Slovenia) and organised by Primorska Technology Park. Conducted in Slovene, it introduced the ALL-MICRO project, its network, and collaboration opportunities with research centres equipped with advanced microscopy infrastructure. The event focused on bringing scientific content closer to businesses, highlighting how companies can improve products and competitiveness through research collaboration. It also showcased good practices from previous Interreg projects and addressed strategic topics such as the development of deep-tech start-ups. Key insights highlighted that demand for advanced microscopy services is often niche, and that stronger research–business collaboration requires better alignment with market needs, including targeted market analysis and a shift towards research-driven innovation ecosystems. The event gathered 43 participants, mainly entrepreneurs and innovation stakeholders, and included networking activities to foster further collaboration.

The second event took place on 24 September 2025 in Udine (Italy) and was organised by TEC4I FVG. Titled “Microscopy as an opportunity for technological innovation”, it built on the first event by further promoting ALL-MICRO and facilitating dialogue between companies, research centres, and institutions. The event emphasised microscopy as a strategic tool for innovation and as a common language between science and industry. It featured two thematic roundtables: one on cybersecurity, addressing digital risks and solutions, and one on technology transfer, discussing barriers and opportunities for effective collaboration. A practical case study (ATANOR and University of Trieste) demonstrated how partnerships within ALL-MICRO can lead to concrete improvements in materials and processes through advanced microscopy. With over 100 participants, the event reinforced the role of the cross-border network as a shared innovation infrastructure and underlined the importance of continuous collaboration to generate lasting regional impact.

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Link to photo gallery	Link to photo gallery

Overall, the two events successfully strengthened cross-border cooperation, increased awareness of ALL-MICRO opportunities, and contributed to building a bridge between research and business. They highlighted the need for a more demand-driven approach to research services while also supporting emerging EU strategies on deep-tech innovation and research-based entrepreneurship.

Furthermore, Tec4I-FVG organised a dedicated webinar aimed at engaging contacts from industry within the framework of the ALL-MICRO project. During the event, Prof. Gabriele Baj, representing the lead partner University of Trieste (UniTs), introduced the ALL-MICRO network, outlining its objectives and highlighting the opportunities it offers to support innovation in the industrial sector through advanced microscopy and cross-border collaboration.

Link to video

Participation in External Events

ALL-MICRO actively contributes to the broader scientific and innovation ecosystem by participating in international conferences and outreach events:

• 17th Multinational Congress on Microscopy (Portorož, Slovenia):

  The 17th Multinational Congress on Microscopy (17MCM), held from 8 to 12 September in Portorož, Slovenia, brought together hundreds of participants from across Europe, confirming its role as a major event in the microscopy community. The ALL-MICRO project actively contributed with scientific presentations, posters and networking activities, including the special session IMPRESS: “Shaping the Future of Interoperable TEM”, which focused on interoperability and future developments in transmission electron microscopy. The congress provided an excellent platform for fostering new collaborations and exchanging knowledge among researchers, industry representatives, and stakeholders. 
  

• Trieste Next 2025 science festival:

  The ALL-MICRO presentation “An alliance for advanced microscopy”, held on 27 September in Trieste as part of the “Focus: Life Sciences” section of Trieste Next, brought together researchers and project partners from various institutions, including the University of Nova Gorica, CNR-IOM and TEC4I FVG. Moderated by Gabriele Baj (University of Trieste), project coordinator and head of CIMA, the event highlighted the increasingly central role of advanced microscopy in driving innovation in both industry and healthcare, as well as the challenges related to access to highly specialised instruments and expertise. In this context, ALL-MICRO was presented as a cross-border Interreg Italy–Slovenia initiative aimed at improving access to advanced technologies, strengthening collaboration between research and industry, and enhancing regional competitiveness.

• National Conference on Science Communication (SISSA, Trieste):

  TEC4I FVG participated in the XIV National Conference on Science Communication, held from 2 to 5 December 2025 at SISSA in Trieste, with a presentation titled “Communication ecosystems for technology transfer and territorial innovation.” During the session, Elena Sandri, together with colleagues Valeria Cappelli and Isabella Susa, presented the Interreg Italy–Slovenia ALL-MICRO project, highlighting its role in fostering collaboration between research, industry and institutions to support innovation in microelectronics and advanced materials. The event provided an opportunity to share practical experiences and reflect on the importance of communication as a driver of regional innovation and social impact.
  

• Samu Expo 2026:

  Dissemination activities included TEC4I-FVG’s participation in the Samu Expo in Pordenone, held from 5 to 7 February 2026. The event represented an important opportunity to promote the ALL-MICRO project in the metalworking and plastics sectors. Dedicated promotional materials were used, and a 30-minute session was held during which the project and its objectives were presented.

• Interreg Central Europe conference “From Results to Impact: Cooperation Takes Synergies Forward” (Vienna, May 2025)

  Agnes Thalhammer participated in the Interreg Central Europe conference “From Results to Impact: Cooperation Takes Synergies Forward” (Vienna, May 2025), where she presented a poster on the ALL‑MICRO project. The poster highlighted the project’s role in building a cross-border network of microscopy facilities to support innovation, knowledge transfer, and collaboration with SMEs.

  
  

Through these activities, the project enhances visibility, networking opportunities, and knowledge dissemination across scientific, industrial, and public audiences.

Impact and Outlook

By integrating infrastructure, expertise, and training, ALL-MICRO provides a comprehensive platform for advanced microscopy. The project supports:

• Collaborative research and innovation

• Access to cutting-edge instrumentation

• Skills development and knowledge exchange

• Cross-border cooperation between Italy and Slovenia

Ultimately, ALL-MICRO contributes to building a sustainable, innovation-driven ecosystem, where advanced microscopy becomes a strategic instrument for the scientific and industrial progress.