Since the launch of the Chandra and the XMM-Newton observatories nine years ago, astronomers have become familiar with high resolution X-ray spectra provided by dispersive spectrometers. A whole new source parameter space has been opened up to investigation and exciting new insights have been revealed into the physics and energetics of X-ray emitters and absorbers. Further advances in this field will be provided by non-dispersive spectrometers, with similar high resolution to current instrumentation and with enhanced sensitivity.

The time is right, then, to take stock of what has been achieved, to review our current understanding and to consider how to build on it, by taking advantage of future opportunities such as IXO. With this in mind we invite those in the astronomical community with an interest in high resolution X-ray spectroscopy to get together again at MSSL, in a workshop that will hopefully be as vibrant and successful as its precursors in October 2002 and March 2006.

For the first time, we will also run a two-day Spectroscopy School aimed at PhD students and postdocs who are interested in learning about the principles and practicalities of high-resolution X-ray grating spectroscopy, as applied to a range of astrophysical scenarios.

The spectroscopy school will take place from 17-18 March 2009, followed by the workshop on 19-20 March 2009.