1. Aim & Scope

The third Workshop and School was hosted by CAU at Kiel. The School run from 04-08 September 2026 and Workshop #3 followed from 09-11 September 2026. Both gathered all Consortium Partners, members of the External Advisory Board (EAC), and young scientists from outside the project. It provided a platform to present and discuss the latest SPEARHEAD results and developments. A key component of the event was the tutorial-style school offering hands-on training with SPEARHEAD tools and data, further strengthening user engagement and community building.

2. School

The SPEARHEAD School offered hands-on training with its tools and data, providing an interactive introduction to the project’s methodologies while building on previously developed MSc course materials.

Open to students, early-career researchers, and other interested participants, the school especially encouraged student applications. Limited financial support was available upon request.

The program included practical exercises and was offered as an elective module worth 3 ECTS credits, assessed through participation, group work, and a short report or presentation.

Lectures were given by:

• Dresing Nina – University of Turku, Finland
• Dumbovic Mateja – Hvar Observatory, Croatia
• Heber Bernd – Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Germany
• Mishev Alexander – University of Oulu, Finland
• Papaioannou Athanasios – National Observatory of Athens, Greece

Held in a hybrid format, the school also featured social activities, including visits to Laboe and Kiel Rönne, to support networking and community building.

3. Workshop

The workshop brought together researchers, students, and stakeholders, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and community building.

Confirmed Speakers (in alphabetical order):

• Benella Simone – INAF, Italy
• Dalla Silvia – University of Lancashire, UK
• Giannopoulos Giorgos – NOA, Greece
• Jiggens Piers – ESA
• Klein Ludwig – ObsParis, France
• Laurenza Monica – INAF, Italy
• Richardson Ian G. – NASA/GSFC & Univ. Maryland, USA
• Rodriguez-Garcia Laura – ESA
• Rouillard Alexis P. – IRAP, France & AIP, Germany
• Vainio Rami – UTU, Finland
• Warmuth Alexander – AIP, Germany
• Wijsen Nicolas – KU Leuven, Belgium

The scientific programme featured:

• Invited lectures by leading experts
• Short contributed presentations
• Interactive discussions and networking opportunities

Each session was designed to foster both depth and interaction. It begun with a review presentation by an invited speaker, providing context and outlining key themes. This was followed by a SPEARHEAD impact contribution and two short contributed talks. Sessions concluded with a moderated discussion, encouraging active exchange between speakers and participants.

In addition, posters were displayed in the lecture hall and were available throughout the workshop for viewing and discussion, offering further opportunities for engagement.

The workshop was held in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and remote participation.

Proceedings:

Open-access proceedings (MACAU) were planned for this workshop. Publication is free of charge, with priority given to first publications by students, supporting early-career researchers in disseminating their work. These proceedings will also enhance the visibility and impact of SPEARHEAD.