The idea of regular scientific meetings of physicists involved in studies of ferroelectrics and phase transitions in Poland and Czechoslovakia followed inevitably from the success of first such an event in Błażejewko in 1979. The Seminar was organized in collaborating of the Department of Dielectrics of the Institute of Physics of Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences and the Ferroelectric Lab of the Institute of Molecular Physics of Polish Academy of Sciences. The Seminars are an international forum for presentation of recent results, unconstrained discussions and initiating of joint studies. This conference series results not only in scientific integration but also in close cooperation and friendship. The bianual event usually brings together about 100–120 participants in a proportion: approximately one third from the Czech Republic, one third from Poland and the rest from othercountries.

Scope and Program

Thematical scope of the XXIV Czech–Polish Seminar included all its traditional subjects:

- Ferroelectric and structural phase transitions
- Dielectric and microwave properties, THz and IR spectroscopy
- Liquid crystals and polymeric liquid crystals
- Structural and microstructural properties
- Inelastic light and neutron scattering
- Domains and domain boundaries
- Ferroelectric thin and thick films
- Nanomaterials and size effect
- Piezoelectrics and pyroelectrics
- Relaxor ferroelectrics
- Multiferroics
- Ionic conductors
- Applications

Schedule

Technical program of the XXIV Czech–Polish Seminar will be scheduled from early afternoon on Monday, May 23 till the lunch on Friday, May 27. Wednesday afternoon will be reserved for a sightseeing tour. The official language of the conference will be English.

Venue

The venue of XXIV Czech–Polish seminar is Harrachov, Czech Republic. The Harrachov town and mountain resort is located at the altitude of 665m in the Giant Mountains range of the Sudetes (Krkonoše), in the valley of the Mumlava river below the Čertova mountain. The town is located directly at the Czech–Polish border. The town consisting of four parts and villages (Harrachov, Mýtiny, Nový Svět and Rýžoviště) has about 1,300 inhabitants.The first written reference dates back to the 17th century when German settlers founded a village Dörfl. Harrachov has been known for its glass production which dates back to the 14th century. In 1890s, first pair of skis was imported to the country which started the tradition of winter sports in Harrachov. In 1920, first ski jumping hills were built. The first international skiing championship was organised in 1923. Harrachov still remains a popular skiing resort.

Giant Mountains

The Giant Mountains (Krkonoše in Czech, Karkonosze in Polish, Riesengebirge in German) is a mountain range located in the north of the Czech Republic and the south-west of Poland, part of the Sudetes mountain system (part of the Bohemian Massif). The Czech-Polish border, which divides the historic regions of Bohemia and Silesia, runs along the main ridge. The highest peak Sněžka (1,603 m) is the highest peak in the Czech Republic.

Accommodation

Accommodation will be provided in Resort Sklář****, Harrachov 520, 512 46 Czech Republic. The hotel conveniently located close to the town centre offers accommodation in 171 rooms. There is a restaurant and bar, a hotel wellness centre with a heated swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, hot tub and many types of massages available. The resort offers plenty of sport activities. Animated video programs are available for children.