The Symposium on Surface Science (3S) was founded as winter school by members of the Institute of Applied Physics of the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) in 1983. The conference aims to promote growth of scientific knowledge and its effective exchange among scientists in the field of surface physics and chemistry and related areas. The format is similar to that of Gordon Conferences with ample time for discussions and joint outdoor activities. The number of participants is kept below 100 in order to guarantee active communication between all attendees. 

• 1983 Obertraun, A
• 1985 Obertraun, A
• 1988 Kaprun, A
• 1990 La Plagne, F
• 1991 Obertraun, A
• 1992 La Plagne, F
• 1993 Kaprun, A
• 1994 Les Arcs, F
• 1995 Kaprun, A
• 1997 Aussois, F
• 1998 Park City, US
• 1999 Pamporova, BUL
• 2000 Kananaskis Village, CAN
• 2001 Furano, J
• 2002 St. Christoph/Arlberg, A
• 2003 La Plagne, F
• 2004 St. Christoph/Arlberg, A
• 2005 Les Arcs 1800, F
• 2006 St. Christoph/Arlberg, A
• 2007 Les Arcs 2000, F
• 2008 St. Christoph/Arlberg, A
• 2009 St. Moritz, CH
• 2010 St. Christoph/Arlberg, A
• 2011 Baqueira Beret/Lleida, ES
• 2012 St. Christoph/Arlberg, A
• 2013 Åre, Sweden
• 2014 St. Christoph/Arlberg, A
• 2015 Les Arcs 1800, F
• 2016 St. Christoph/Arlberg, A