#theLightStuff Lecture Series

In March 2019, the ongoing #theLightStuff lecture series was established to highlight materials science with an emphasis on the application of diffraction and scattering. Given the current global pandemic, coupled with the increasing awareness of the impact of academic travel on  the climate crisis and inclusivity, the online format was established by the team consisting of Brian R. Pauw, Jenni Haberland, Glen J. Smales and Claire Murray from Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) in Berlin, Germany and Diamond Light Source in the UK.

The lecture series aims to provide a platform for early-career scientists as well as more established scientists to highlight their work in an accessible way for all members of the community during the lockdowns, regardless of their geographical location. To date, over 450 people have attended these lectures live and the YouTube video recordings collectively have racked up over 1,500 views, which, when combined, are the equivalent of a small IUCr Congress! Every lecture presents a unique angle on a particular technique and/or application of diffraction and scattering and have all been well received by attendees. The audience is comprised largely of PhD students and postdocs, with many attendees using scattering and diffraction methods for their own research. All lectures are recorded (with the permission of the presenter) and are available for you to watch here. We’d love for you to join us for the next lecture, which, as always, is announced on our website.