1st MCS — Material Characterization Symposium
"More than measurement"
The first Material Characterization Symposium, organized by AstrinexLab, brings together professionals from industry and academia alongside equipment manufacturer representatives. Three days of lectures and workshops on material characterization – porosimetry, density, sorption, catalysis, powder flow, thermal analysis and AAS – with the instrument manufacturers who build these tools.
November 4-6, 2026
Wednesday – Friday
Terme Čatež, Slovenia
Accommodation at Hotel Terme
About MCS
Where knowledge meets application
The 1st Material Characterization Symposium (MCS), hosted by AstrineXLab, bridges the gap between industry innovation and academic research. Our mission is to foster collaboration, facilitate high-level technical exchange, and spark new methodologies for future research.
Designed for both academic scientists and industry professionals, MCS offers unique opportunities to transform theoretical knowledge into actionable insights and practical solutions.
Beyond the technical sessions, MCS goes “more than measurement.” It provides a collaborative, relaxed environment designed to cultivate meaningful professional connections, exchange cross-disciplinary ideas, and build lasting partnerships.
Expert-led Presentations & Case Studies
Deep dives into cutting-edge material analysis techniques.
Interactive Hands-on Workshops
Practical applications covering critical focus areas, from surface area and porosity characterization to advanced thermal analysis.
Peer-to-Peer Knowledge Sharing
Direct insights from experienced power-users and external subject-matter experts.
Program Highlights
What to expect from the program
Expert Keynotes & Equipment Presentations
Learn from industry leaders and explore the latest advancements in instrumentation.
Practical Workshops
Focus on real-world applications and methodologies spanning surface characterization, porosity, and thermal analysis.
User Testimonials
Share practical experiences with advanced users and external specialists.
Join us for this first edition and experience the AstrinexLab Experience.
An event set to become the definitive annual meeting point for the material characterization community.
Note: the official language of MCS is English, due to international nature of this event, however all the networking discussions will be held in local languages.
Symposium daily focus
Three days, three key themes
Day 1 · November 4th 2026
Pharmaceutical Industry
Learn from industry leaders and explore the latest advancements in instrumentation.
Day 2 · November 5th 2026
Surface Area & Porosity Characterization
In-depth exploration of surface area and porosity characterization with Micromeritics, part of Malvern Panalytical.
Day 3 · November 6th 2026
Advanced Thermal Analysis
Advanced thermal analysis techniques, told anew by experts and users of Hitachi equipment.
PRESENTED BY
Malvern Panalytical
Energy Transition & Catalysis
Micromeritics
November 4 - 5
Hitachi High Tech
Analytical Science
Thermal Analysis & AAS
November 6
Detailed Program
Explore the full schedule
The full detailed program for the 1st MCS is already available.
Explore the sessions, speakers and topics.
| Timeline | Lecture Room | Type | Lecture Title | Lecturer / Responsible | Organization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30–09:15 | Registration | Participants Arrival & Registration | Registration / Participants Arrivals | Mirna Mandarić, Nina Rejc | AstrineXLab |
| 09:15–09:30 | Lecture Room 1 - Vrelec | Opening Lecture | Opening of MCS 2026 | Nina Rejc | AstrineXLab |
| 09:30–10:00 | Lecture Room 1 - Vrelec | Lecture | Characterizing Materials with Gas Adsorption - BET Analyzers (Gemini, TriStar II Plus, 3-Flex - Where to use Which-one) | Nina Rejc | AstrineXLab |
| 10:00–10:45 | Lecture Room 1 - Vrelec | Lecture 30 min Discussion 10 min | FT4 Powder Flow Rheometer - understand flow behavior analysis of dry mineral powders with Flow Rheology | dr. Igor Shlyapnikov | CO NOT |
| 10:45–11:15 | Coffee Break | Break | Coffee Break | — | — |
| 11:15–11:35 | Lecture Room 1 - Vrelec | Lecture | Density - True Density - why is it important in material characterisation in pharmaceutical studies | Andraž Einsiedler / Nina Rejc | AstrineXLab |
| 11:35–12:30 | Lecture Room 1 - Vrelec | Lecture | DSC & STA/TGA - HITACHI TA Technology for Pharmaceuticals | Daniel Roedolf | RoVi |
| 12:30–13:45 | Dining Room | Lunch | Lunch | — | — |
| 13:45–14:30 | Lecture Room 2 - Riviera | Practical Workshop | True Density Practical - AccuPyc Bring Your Sample | Gorazd Einsiedler, Andraž Einsiedler | AstrineXLab |
| 14:30–15:00 | Lecture Room 1 - Vrelec | Practical Workshop | Workshop MicroActive Software - Practical Demonstration of combining physisorption data in reporting | dr. Igor Shlyapnikov | CO NOT |
| 15:00–19:00 | — | — | Free Time | — | — |
| 19:00–21:00 | — | — | Welcome Get-together | — | — |
| Timeline | Lecture Room | Type | Lecture Title | Lecturer / Responsible | Organization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30–09:15 | Registration | Participants Arrival & Registration | Participants Arrival & Registration | Mirna Mandarić, Nina Rejc | AstrineXLab |
| 09:15–09:30 | Lecture Room 1 - Vrelec | Welcome Lecture | Welcome MCS 2026 | Nina Rejc | AstrineXLab |
| 09:30–10:30 | Lecture Room 1 - Vrelec | Lecture | Find the right equipment for your material characterization | Nina Rejc | AstrineXLab |
| 10:30–11:10 | Lecture Room 1 - Vrelec | Lecture 30 min Discussion 10 min | Why Does Specific Surface Area Matter? Revealing the Role of Structural Parameters in Material Characterization | dr. Alenka Ristić | National Institute of Chemistry |
| 11:10–11:40 | Coffee Break | Break | Coffee Break | — | — |
| 11:40–12:20 | Lecture Room 1 - Vrelec | Lecture 30 min Discussion 10 min | Advancing Catalysis Research with Micromeritics Instruments | dr. Janvit Teržan | DUBT |
| 12:20–12:50 | Lecture Room 1 - Vrelec | Lecture 30 min | Micrometitocs Reactors & Pilot Systems: Upscale your idea to a process | dr. Igor Shlyapnikov | CO NOT |
| 12:50–13:50 | Dining Room | Lunch | Lunch | — | — |
| 13:50–14:30 | Lecture Room 2 - Riviera | Practical Workshop | Physisorption - Sample Prep Tip How much sample is required for a surface area analysis? | Gorazd E., Andraž E. | AstrineXLab |
| 14:30–15:00 | Lecture Room 2 - Riviera / Vrelec | — | Individual Discussions Wrap-Up | All | — |
| 15:00–18:00 | — | — | Free Time | — | — |
| 18:00–19:30 | — | — | Discover Brežice Networking | — | — |
| 19:30–23:00 | — | — | Symposium Dinner | — | — |
| Timeline | Lecture Room | Type | Lecture Title | Lecturer / Responsible | Organization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30–09:15 | Registration Desk | Participants Arrival & Registration | Registration / Participants Arrivals | Mirna Mandarić, Nina Rejc | AstrineXLab |
| 09:15–09:30 | Lecture Room 1 - Vrelec | Lecture | Introduction to Hitachi HHA | Nina Rejc | AstrineXLab |
| 09:30–10:20 | Lecture Room 1 - Vrelec | Lecture | Real View Analysis - DSC + STA | Daniel Roedolf | RoVi |
| 10:20–11:00 | Lecture Room 1 - Vrelec | Lecture 30 min Discussion 10 min | STA - Customer Story, Construction Materials | Dr. Sara Tominc | ZAG |
| 11:00–11:30 | Coffee Break Area | Coffee Break | Coffee Break | — | — |
| 11:30–12:15 | Lecture Room 1 - Vrelec | Workshop | DMA, TMA - Introduction of Real View Benefits in Material Characterization | Daniel Roedolf | RoVi |
| 12:15–12:45 | Lecture Room 1 - Vrelec | Lecture 20 min Discussion 10 min | DMA - Customer Story, BioPolymers | Dr. Sanja Perinović Jozić | KTF Split |
| 12:45–14:00 | Dining Room | Lunch | Lunch | — | — |
| 14:00–14:30 | Lecture Room 1 - Vrelec | Lecture 20 min Discussion 10 min | STA presented as Technological Advantage - Expert Talks | Dr. Edi Topić | PMF Zagreb |
| 14:30–15:00 | Lecture Room 2 - Riviera | Workshop | NEXTA Sofware - Hands-On Discover the Unlimited Possibilities | Daniel Roedolf | RoVi |
| 15:00–15:30 | Lecture Room 1 - Vrelec | — | Individual Discussions / Networking Wrap-Up | All | — |
Registration
Secure Your Spot
You are warmly invited to register and secure this event in your calendar. We understand everyone has demanding schedules and unique professional commitments.
You are not required to attend all three days — feel free to join us for the specific day or days that align best with your field and interests.