IUCr-UNESCO OpenFactory

As part of the OpenLab project, already described in the previous issue of the IUCr Newsletter, the IUCr and UNESCO are implementing some special activities to be held in the factories of the main crystallographic instrumentation manufacturers. The aim is to provide young scientists from across the world with high-quality education opportunities, and to show a more complete picture of crystallographic research, which is brilliantly carried out not only in the universities and research centres. Moreover, workshops in the factories may also be focused on technical aspects and maintenance of crystallographic instrumentation, thus showing different possible job opportunities in our field.

The first of such projects, which will generally be referred to as IUCr-UNESCO OpenFactory, has already been planned and will be organized in partnership with the companies STOE, DECTRIS and Xenocs, and with the collaboration of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). The STOE-DECTRIS-Xenocs OpenFactory will take place September 10-19, 2014. It will include a first part in Grenoble, where the students will spend significant time at the ESRF and will be trained in small-angle X-ray scattering at Xenocs' headquarters. Afterwards, the entire class will move to Darmstadt, where the workshops will focus on single-crystal and powder XRD at STOE's headquarters, with practical tutorials and hands-on experiments. The IUCr will supervise the educational activities, which will be done by scientists from the three companies, and guest lecturers selected by the IUCr.

A great networking opportunity is given to the students, who will join the STOE Users Meeting on September 18-19, 2014, thus interacting with highly experienced scientists and enabling the creation of their own network for possible future cooperation.

The program will be free of charge for all participants as STOE, DECTRIS and Xenocs will cover round-trip flights, accommodation, food and transport costs. Candidates are young scientists from all parts of the world. Applications, including a CV, recommendation letter and declaration of motivation, must be sent by March 30, 2014. For further information please visit www.iycr2014.org/openfactory.