World Directory of Crystallographers

The next edition of the World Directory of Crystallographers and other scientists employing crystallographic methods will be drawn from a database maintained at the IUCr office in Chester. The most significant change in the biographical material previously included in the World Directory will be the addition of one or more key words designating fields of interest. The dictionary of 1500 key words was published in Acta Cryst. (Y. Epelboin, Acta Cryst. A48, 949-954, 1992). The database will follow the CIF format (S. R. Hall, F. H. Allen and I. D. Brown, Acta Cryst. A47, 655-685, 1991). Crystallographers will be able to access the database by electronic network to obtain names and addresses of individuals having specific interests and expertise. One or a combination of key words may be used in a search. Conference organizers will be able to use the database to obtain lists of prospective trainees interested in special topics. Employees could identify laboratories providing suitable training for prospective employees. Some constraints on access will be applied to assure security and avoid unauthorized commercial use.

National Committees have been asked to nominate Subeditors and Regional Bodies will nominate Regional Editors who will act as intermediaries between the National Subeditors and the General Editor. National Subeditors will be asked to update the database annually. Data forms will be distributed early in 1993. Sub-Editors will collect responses in the manner best suited to their country. Response by e-mail or diskette will be encouraged to expedite accurate and swift assembly of the database. The Directory is open to anybody working in Crystallography and related topics.