We, surface science section, focus on functions specific to surfaces and interfaces, and aim to elucidate the mechanisms of these functions and to create new functional materials by making full use of experimental techniques using various probes such as synchrotron radiation, in collaboration with not only members of the institute but also users in industry, government, and academia in Japan and abroad. In particular, we are putting emphasis on operando observation of surfaces and interfaces of thin films and real-time observation of surface chemical reactions with the keyword "observing working surfaces and interfaces in situ", and are aiming to expand our research targets to various functional materials such as catalysts and batteries in the future. For this purpose, we are not only using existing methods but also pioneering novel surface observation techniques in cooperation with the members in the Photon Factory and the Accelerator Division VI in Accelerator Laboratory.