Abstract: In an informal double-header presentation / group discussion format, professors Baerbel Rethfeld, Univ. Kaiserslautern and Jan Siegel, Inst. Optics CSIC will be presenting two topics in fundamentals and applications of laser-excited materials: "Non-equilibrium dynamics of laser-excited electrons in solids" (Rethfeld) and "Formation dynamics of surface gratings in Ge upon direct laser interference patterning" (Siegel).