HERCULES
The Higher European Research Course for Users of Large Experimental Systems (HERCULES) is a European doctoral institution founded in 1991 by the University of Grenoble Alpes and Grenoble INP - UGA. Since then, it has become world-renowned for training the scientific community in using Large-Scale Facilities (LSFs) which deliver neutron and synchrotron radiation, as well as radiation from free-electron lasers. HERCULES is a doctoral-level European school run by the University of Grenoble Alpes and Grenoble INP - UGA. The school will celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2026.
35 years of scientific excellence
During the five-week-long school programme, participants spend four weeks at the EPN campus in Grenoble, -- home to ILL, ESRF, EMBL and IBS --, and one week at one of the large-scale facilities of the HERCULES partners: ALBA in Barcelona (Spain), DESY and the European XFEL in Hamburg (Germany), ELETTRA and FERMI in Trieste (Italy), KIT in Karlsruhe (Germany), MAX IV, ESS and LINXS in Lund (Sweden), PSI in Villigen (Switzerland) and SOLEIL in Saint-Aubin (France). Each year, more than 250 lecturers and tutors who are world leaders in their field are involved in the school. To ensure participants receive the best possible training, the course strikes a balance between theory and practice. Over 40% of the training time is dedicated to practical work and tutorials conducted in small groups. Unique worldwide, this training includes access to five days of hands-on experience with Large Scale Facility instruments.
A unique community
Over the past thirty-five years, HERCULES has trained more than 2,500 scientists. It has built up a unique community of users of LSFs in Europe and around the world over the years, playing a crucial role in their development and success.
Join us to celebrate the
35th anniversary of the HERCULES School with a
2-day scientific workshop on 27-28 March 2026
This landmark event, jointly organised by the ILL, the ESRF and HERCULES School will take place in Grenoble, at the EPN Campus and Grenoble INP – UGA. It will bring together LSF representatives, LSF networks, the user community and former HERCULES participants. The workshop will feature presentations by past HERCULES participants and LSF network representatives, as well as round-table discussions.
This will be a unique opportunity to review the rapid development of large-scale facilities over the last fifteen years, consider the future development of the field, and reflect on the long-term need to train the next generation of expert users in Europe and internationally.
On Saturday afternoon 28th March, from 4.30 to 6pm, time will be dedicated to two presentations showcasing the importance of Large-Scale synchrotron & neutron Facilities for General Public applications.
Local organising committee
