6th National Crystallography Meeting successfully held in Giresun, Türkiye

The 6th National Crystallography Meeting was held on 17–19 May 2026 in Giresun, Türkiye, under the hosting of Giresun University and in collaboration with the Turkish National  Crystallographic Association. The meeting brought together researchers working in various branches of crystallography, structural science, materials characterization, and related interdisciplinary fields.

The opening ceremony included speeches by Prof. Dr. Canan Kazak, President of the Turkish National Crystallographic Association, and Prof. Dr. Santiago Garcia-Granda, President of the International Union of Crystallography (IUCr). Prof. Dr. Güven Özdem, Vice Rector of Giresun University, also attended the ceremony. In addition, a message from Prof. Dr. Dinçer Ülkü, one of the pioneering scientists contributing to the development of crystallography in Türkiye, was shared with the participants.

The scientific programme focused on current developments in crystallographic research and covered topics including macromolecular crystallography, molecular structures and properties, powder diffraction applications, materials science, and fundamental crystallographic concepts.Including interesting discussions on the research actions under the TÜBİTAK programs.  Oral and poster presentations highlighted recent experimental, computational, and methodological advances in the field.

The meeting hosted distinguished invited speakers from internationally recognized institutions. These included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cengiz Arıcı (TÜBİTAK, Türkiye), Prof. Dr. William Clegg (Newcastle University, United Kingdom), Prof. Dr. Santiago Garcia-Granda (University of Oviedo, Spain), Dr. Mustafa Fatih Genişel and Dr. Santanu Pathak from SESAME (Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East, Jordan), Prof. Dr. Michael Richard Probert (Newcastle University, United Kingdom), Prof. Dr. Zehra Sayers (Sabancı University, Türkiye), and Prof. Dr. Veysel Turan Yılmaz (Karadeniz Technical University, Türkiye).

The participation of researchers from different countries and institutions provided an important platform for scientific exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration. Particularly interesting to know the progress in the implementation of new lines, instruments and experimental facilities in the SESAME synchrotron. Discussions throughout the meeting emphasized the increasing role of crystallographic methods in structural chemistry, materials science, biology, and advanced characterization techniques.

In addition to the scientific sessions, participants had the opportunity to enjoy the most traditional music and dance performances, put on by local groups, at an unforgettable opening ceremony, to enjoy the abundance of hazelnuts produced in this region of Türkiye, and finally to experience the natural and cultural heritage of the Black Sea region through the social programme organized during the meeting. 

The organizers expressed their sincere appreciation to all invited speakers, participants, supporting institutions, students, and organizing committee members whose contributions ensured the scientific success of the meeting.