#EXSA2021, EXSA first virtual conference in X-ray Spectrometry

As the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was sweeping across Europe, many researchers, and especially young scientists, were struggling to disseminate their work, discussing new projects, and finding their place in science. The X-ray Spectrometry community was no exception. True to its purposes and objectives, the European X-ray Spectrometry Association (EXSA) decided to organize its first “virtual conference on X-ray Spectrometry,” #EXSA2021, to tighten and consolidate the links in between its members, and to propose a collaborating and networking platform where representatives from academia, industrial and private sector, and metrology institutes, could meet and exchange ideas and progresses. In a nutshell, the main objective of EXSA (www.exsa.hu) is to promote innovation and cooperation of X-ray spectroscopists and analysts within Europe by supporting talented young scientists; by fostering the interface between the academic and industrial sector (via activities such as the Fundamental Parameter Initiative); promoting X-ray Spectrometry courses and providing high-quality training via for instance the (co) organization of schools and workshops on novel and emerging X-ray Spectrometry topics. The next event will be held in Paris (France) in late October 2023. If one wanted to learn about the latest research and technologies in X-ray Spectrometry on the following topics: XRS in environmental applications, XRS for novel materials including, for example, batteries, nanostructures, instrumental development for XRS and its applications, and fundamental parameters, #EXSA2021 was the conference to join. Not only the event featured a collection of exclusive talks from leading scientists, but also contributions from young scientists, lively poster sessions, and in-depth thoughts during round tables and discussions. It also concluded with the meeting of the International Initiative on Fundamental Parameter. With 5 invited talks, 26 oral contributions, and 22 posters, #EXSA2021 went beyond our expectations. Please refer to our website https://www.exsa.hu/conf2021/ for more information. Open to all, and widely disseminated by word of mouth by EXSA members, #EXSA2021 was a true success with 128 participants, among which 20% were from the industry, 40% were non-EXSA members and with, on average, 72 persons attending per session. Indeed, to allow for a worldwide participation, the conference was organized as long sessions taking place from noon to late afternoon European time, which offered the possibility to join for attendees from different time zones. Despite a very lively event, and dynamics in EXSA community, only a few manuscripts were received to contribute to #EXSA2021 proceedings. These are as eclectic in contents as the X-ray Spectrometry fields of research are, and we are happy to share those with you in this special issue. We would like to express our appreciation and sincere thanks to those who made the #EXSA2021 possible. Our sponsors, for their great support to EXSA throughout all the years, and we would also like to thank the PTB (Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt, Germany) for providing us with the online platform and technical assistance, and Wiley X-ray Spectrometry journal, for providing awards to the best poster and best oral presentation of young scientists, and supporting the publication of these proceedings. The help by the program committee, the involvement of the moderators and speakers of the round tables, session chairs, and award committee was unvaluable to insure a well-balanced, interactive, and dynamic #EXSA2021. Finally, we are grateful to everyone who participated to #EXSA2021. We hope that you have as good memories of our #EXSA2021 virtual conference as we do! #EXSA2021 Chairs, Diane Eichert and Michael Kolbe.