The 2016 Gordon Research Conference on Vibrational Spectroscopy will focus on using state-of-the-art spectroscopic techniques to understand structure, dynamics and reactivity in a wide range of applications, with emphasis on physico-chemical studies to understand the role of vibrations in molecular dynamics. The topics to be discussed are strongly linked to fundamental studies of molecular structure, dynamics and reactivity in the condensed phase as well as in clusters and interfaces. 

A particular emphasis of the 2016 Conference is on the interplay between developments of new spectroscopic techniques and applications to fundamental studies of interfaces and materials of interest in energy and environmental challenges. A working paradigm that many of the conference attendants subscribe to is that vibrational spectroscopy, specifically the type that exploits coherences, provides a powerful tool to elucidate structure/function relations that are otherwise impossible to observe. The conference will continue the tradition of bringing together established and beginning researchers linked by the common thread of vibrational probes. The goal is to give emerging scientists an opportunity to meet with the world's leading experts and integrate theoretical and experimental methods as applied to the study of materials and systems central to outstanding challenges of the 21st century. Retrospective and Prospective Introductory presentations by leading figures will address the origins and recent breakthroughs in Vibrational Spectroscopy and will look forward towards its future evolution.