5 days training on the aspect of Combined Analysis by X-ray and Neutron Scattering and introduction to the MAUD software

The objectives of this workshop is to provide students and researchers (academic or not) the required knowledge to characterize structure, microstructure, phase, texture, stress and reflectivity by “Combined Analysis using X-ray and neutron scattering techniques“. This will be treated from several case samples including: thin films and bulk materials, anisotropic and/or polyphased materials, nanomaterials, diverse experimental arrangements including multi-detectors, etc.

Each type of analysis will be considered individually and then integrated into the combined analysis software MAUD. Some specific examples will be studied using X-ray and neutron experimental data. Full afternoons are dedicated to training.Â

To support the theory and add a practical dimension to this workshop, technical aspects will be demonstrated on CRISMAT laboratory and INEL X-ray instruments. Â

This workshop is the best opportunity to come and meet people from various fields and exchange on technical interests and experiences.

In a joint effort of the Colombian and Venezuelan Societies of Crystallography, two courses on X Ray Diffraction Techniques are being organized: a course on X ray Powder Diffraction which will take place in Mérida, Venezuela, from June 23 to 27 of 2014, and a course on Single Crystal X Ray Diffraction which will take place in Bucaramanga, Colombia, in September. The participation is open to undergraduate and graduate students and young scientists from academic institutions, as well as professionals from the industrial sector. Students, young researchers, and professionals from other Latin-American countries are most welcome.
The Course on Powder Diffraction integrates the basic principles, common practices, and applications of X ray diffraction techniques for the analysis of polycrystalline samples. Particular attention will be paid at obtaining good experimental data for their appropriate use in different applications.
Three fundamental aspects constitute the core of the powder diffraction course: (1) use of X ray diffraction techniques for qualitative and quantitative analysis of polycrystalline materials; (2) use of the program GSAS-II (Structure refinement using the Rietveld Method); (3) Microstructure characterization (Use of the program PM2K2). These topics will be presented in the context of conventional X ray diffractometers and of synchrotron radiation.
The Invited Speakers are: Dr. Robert Von Dreele (Argonne National Laboratory, USA), Prof. James A. Kaduk (Illinois Institute of Technology, USA), Prof. Matteo Leoni (Universita degli Studi di Trento, Italy), and Prof. José Antonio Henao (Universidad Industrial de Santander, Colombia). Professors Asiloé J. Mora, Graciela Díaz de Delgado, Belkis Ramírez, Gerzon Delgado, and Miguel Delgado (ULA, Venezuela) and Dr. Alexander Briceño (IVIC, Venezuela) will also be instructors.

This event is being supported by Universidad de Los Andes (Venezuela), FONACIT (Venezuelan Science Funding Office) and the International Centre for Diffraction Data (ICDD).

Click here to download the poster of the event

Course Information

The course is intended for undergraduate (5th year) and postgraduate students and postdocs with an interest in macromolecular crystallization. Number of participant is limited to 25.Â
The crystallization of biological macromolecules is still poorly understood and, as a consequence, success of the common trial-and-error experiments is not predictable. On the other hand, more rational approaches have been developed in the past few years and prospects for the science of crystallogenesis are in fact good. Many of the new approaches are based on an improved theoretical insight into the processes of nucleation and crystal growth.Â
The course is designed to bring over the message of the benefits of more rational approaches to macromolecular crystallization. The course will consist of theoretical lectures, seminars as well as practical work and demonstrations (lectures 40%, practical work 50%, seminars 10%). For crystallization experiments, typical recipes using commercial proteins will be used. In addition, students can bring their own proteins and carry out crystallization trials on these during the course. A poster section is planned in order to encourage participants to present their own work.Â
Nove Hrady is located in the south of the Czech Republic. The Academic and University Center resides in a very styleful chateau, which provides many facilities such as two lecture halls, laboratories, apartments and a student dormitory.

Bombannes 2014

The Bombannes summer school is devoted to the practical  «state-of-art» approach to scattering methods, using neutrons, as well as X-ray and light sources - today’s key techniques to study structure and dynamics in systems containing colloids, polymers, surfactants and biological macromolecules. Since 1990 the Bombannes school series introduces, on a fundamental level, the current methodology of static and dynamic scattering techniques and their applicaiton to soft matter systems. It provides with a period of 2 years advanced training for young researchers with a working place in European laboratories at post-graduate and post-doctoral level.

History of the Clinic

The ICDD X-ray Clinics are a continuation of the SUNY Clinics which were held at the State University of New York at Albany for 25 years. In 1990, the International Centre for Diffraction Data (ICDD) assumed responsibilities for these clinics. ICDD is a nonprofit, scientific organization which publishes the Powder Diffraction Fileâ„¢ and the journal, Powder Diffraction. ICDD is committed to promoting the applications of materials characterization methods in science and technology by providing educational programs such as the ICDD Clinics.

PurposeÂ

During the past seven decades, the use of X-ray analytical methods has seen continued growth in the areas of materials characterization and phase identification. Over the years, the development of procedures, techniques, and advanced equipment have greatly enhanced the versatility of the method.  The purpose of the X-ray clinic is to provide participants with a fundamental understanding of the theoretical basis as well as the practical application and implementation of powder diffractometry in today’s laboratory.  This knowledge and understanding is applicable whether the attendee works in academia, industry, or government laboratory, or whether they are a student, professor, researcher, or analyst.

Scope

The clinic is presented in two separate week-long sessions, each of which stands alone as a complete course. Session I, Fundamentals of X-ray Powder Diffraction, is directed to both relative newcomers in the field and to more experienced users wishing to broaden their understanding of fundamental concepts and established procedures. The major emphases of Fundamentals of X-ray Powder Diffraction are the acquisition of reliable experimental data and qualitative phase identification using both manual and automated search techniques. Session II, Advanced Methods in X-ray Powder Diffraction, is designed for the experienced user and focuses on computer-based methods of qualitative and quantitative phase analysis, as well as crystal structure analysis and refinement. For maximum benefit from the Advanced Methods in X-ray Powder Diffraction, the ICDD Clinic staff strongly recommends that students have previously attended Session I.Â

What is the Bachelor Summer Program ?

The Bachelor Summer Program gives you the opportunity to study at UJF, obtain credits for your home university and meet students from all over the word! It is also open to French UJF students with whom you will interact daily.
This 6 week program offers scientific courses taught in English and French. You may choose among three scientific topics (physical computing, large scale facilities, biochemistry). Each of them is made up of lessons, tutorials, practical work and scientific visits.
You will discover different aspects of French life through cultural excursions within the city and in its beautiful mountain environment.

When does the Summer Session take place in 2014 ?

From June 2 to July 13, 2014

Who is it for ?

It is designed for English speaking undergraduate students from 2nd to 4 th year. A good level in science is required, with different prerequisites for each course. Beginners in French as well as more advanced ones are welcome.

Scientific courses

60 hr. courses, 3 different topics:

• Physical Computing
• Large Scale Facilities
• Biochemistry

French courses 45 hr. courses and cultural visits

CETS provides insight into neutron scattering techniques and their application for studies on structure and dynamics of condensed matter. Comprehensive experimental skills and guidance in result interpretation are going to be conveyed. The school will be a forum for the presentation and discussion of actual research works of young scientists. Since the restart of the refurbished Budapest Research Reactor in 1992 international meetings are regularly organised in order to promote the national and Central European regional user activity, to contribute to instrument development as well as to facilitate the access of new users. Using the experimental stations, training of students and newcomers to the field is also regularly held for Hungarian university groups. Since 1999 a yearly joint Austrian-Hungarian training course used to be organised as well. Since February 2000 the new cold neutron research facility is in operation, a liquid hydrogen cold source and the adjoining supermirror neutron guides provide excellent research opportunities on six experimental stations located in the neutron guide hall and the reactor hall. Therefore, the regular Austrian-Hungarian training course was extended, and we offer the possibilities of the cold neutron instruments for a hands-on-training for the European user community.

Anticipated attendanceÂ

We are welcoming PhD students and post-doc scientists as well as newcomers to the neutron research from the field of structural research in physics, chemistry, biology, material science etc. The number of participants is limited to 30 (because of the training facilities available). There is no limit for the tutorial lectures.

ICM Workshop: Protein Structure and Drug Design

Conducted By

• Ruben Abagyan Ph.D. (Professor UCSD and MolSoft Founder)
• Maxim Totrov Ph.D. (Principal Scientist, MolSoft LLC)
• Andrew Orry Ph.D. (Senior Scientist, MolSoft LLC)

Workshop Content Summary

The workshop is suitable for chemists and biologists who would like to learn more about computational drug discovery, molecular modeling, and bioinformatics. No prior knowledge in this field is required to participate in this workshop. The workshop will consist of lectures, demonstrations, and "hands-on" experiments covering the following topics:

• Molecular Graphics and Displaying Interactive Molecules in PowerPoint and the Web using ActiveICM.
• Sequence and Protein Structure Analysis.
• Protein Modeling and Simulations.
• Structure Validation and Optimization.
• Ligand Binding Site Prediction.
• Protein-Protein Docking.
• Small Molecule Docking and Virtual Ligand Screening.
• ICM 3D Interactive Ligand Editor.
• Structure-based development of target-specific compound libraries.
• Cheminformatics: chemical clustering, searching, superposition etc...
• QSAR

ICDD X-ray Fluorescence Clinic

Practical X-ray Fluorescence

History of the ClinicÂ

The ICDD X-ray Clinics are a continuation of the SUNY Clinics which were held at the State University of New York at Albany for 25 years. In 1990, the International Centre for Diffraction Data (ICDD) assumed responsibilities for these clinics. ICDD is a nonprofit, scientific organization which publishes the Powder Diffraction Fileâ„¢ and the journal, Powder Diffraction. ICDD is committed to promoting the applications of materials characterization methods in science and technology by providing educational programs such as the ICDD Clinics.

PurposeÂ

During the past five decades, the use of X-ray analytical methods has increased in the areas of materials characterization and phase identification. The wide range of applicability of the X-ray fluorescence method has made it a technique employed in thousands of laboratories all over the world. Over the years, many techniques and procedures have been developed that greatly enhance the versatility of the method. The purpose of the X-ray clinic is to combine theoretical and practical application of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.

ScopeÂ

The clinic is presented in a week-long session and is directed to both relative newcomers in the field and to more experienced users wishing to broaden their understanding of fundamental concepts and established procedures. The major emphases are the acquisition of reliable experimental data and qualitative phase identification using manual search techniques, and computer-based methods of qualitative and quantitative phase analysis.Â

FormatÂ

The format of the clinic is a combination of morning lectures and afternoon recitations and workshops. Ample opportunity for individual student-faculty interaction exists throughout the week, including small recitation and workshop groups and a session where students can discuss their applications and problems with the entire faculty.

Synchrotron radiation has become an indispensable tool for many macromolecular crystallography groups. Some synchrotron-specific skills are difficult to learn without ones having an intensive hands-on training program. But not all research groups have the luxury of providing long training sessions for students and postdocs. To provide such an educational experience, we have designed a course in Rapid Data Collection and Structure Solving.

Related Information

• RapiData Header Image: View | Download | About (pdf)
• Previous Course Pictures:Â 2013Â |Â 2012Â |Â 2011Â |Â 2010Â |Â 2009Â |Â 2008Â |Â 2002-2007
• Brookhaven National Laboratory: View Videos (YouTube)

Sponsors

This course is sponsored by a grant from the Biomedical Technology Research Centers (BTRC) of NIH's National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) to Photon Sciences and the Biosciences Department at Brookhaven, and in part by support from the Department of Energy Office of Biological and Environmental Research.

We also thank the International Union of Crystallography and Brookhaven Science Associates for financial assistance for this course.

EMBO Practical Course on Computational Structural Biology - from data to structure to function

Venue: European Bioinformatics Institute, CB10 1SD, United Kingdom

Overview

This course aims to teach computational aspects of protein structure determination, validation and analysis. It will cover the background of different structural biology techniques and provide hands-on experience in building a model from X-ray diffraction data. In addition, participants will learn how to critically assess the quality of data and models, and gain expertise in the integration and visualisation of data from different techniques, thus enabling the analysis of protein structure data for functional relationships. The importance of protein structure to drug discovery will also be illustrated with sessions dedicated to small-molecules, protein-ligand docking and model validation.

Audience

This course aims to teach computational aspects of protein structure determination, validation and analysis to PhD students and post-docs working on the collection and analysis of protein structure data. The course will be highly interactive and will include many practical sessions. Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring their own data and ideas of work to be addressed during these sessions.

Strategic pipeline planning: from sample preparation to 3D structure determination with bio SAXS and other biophysical techniques

The location will be at the National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF).
The course will provide training on creating a roadmap towards determining the 3D structure of a macromolecular target including troubleshooting and rational decision-making. Emphasis will be given on Bio SAXS as a method of choice to characterize the structure of a single protein and protein complexes in solution coupled with X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and electron microscopy (EM). An overview of mainstream methods will also be presented and attention will be drawn to techniques developed the last years like X-ray imaging. In addition, the participants will have a chance to get informed about the options they have for career development. Overall, the course will enable the attendees to adopt a broader way of thinking and get acquainted with state-of-the-art approaches currently employed in structural biology. This will increase researchers' awareness on the facilities and services provided and capitalize on the investment that has already been made by Europe with the aim to promote innovative research.
Target Group & Selection process: The course targets mainly PhD students and post-doctoral scientists who are currently working in the structural biology field and have already some experience in working with macromolecules. Experienced researchers will also be considered but priority will be given to younger scientists. A total of 25 participants will be accepted in the course. The applicants will be expected to send a CV (max. 2 pages), a motivation letter (max. 1 page) explaining why they wish to participate and what they expect from the course and a reference letter. The Biostruct-X and local organizers will be responsible for the selection process to ensure that equivalent criteria will be applied.

The ISIS Practical Neutron Training Course is aimed at PhD and post-doctoral researchers who have little or no experience of neutron scattering, but whose future research program aims to make use of neutron scattering techniques.

CELEBRATION OF THE 20th ANNIVERSARY OF JUAS
​It was to meet the Europe-wide demand for a foundation course on accelerator physics and associated technologies that JUAS was created in 1994 under the patronage of CERN the European Organization for Nuclear Research and a European network of 4 Universities. Today JUAS includes 15 partners European Universities and offers an intensive programme for students and modular courses for professionals. The two five-week courses taught by Europe's accelerator specialists are:  Â

1. Sciences & Physics of Particle AcceleratorsÂ
2. Technology & Applications of Particle Accelerators

The school is organised by European Scientific Institute with the support of 15 major European Universities and CERN; and is sponsored by major European Laboratories and Institutes : Â CERN, CEA, CNRS-IN2P3, CPAN (Spain), DESY, ESGARD, ESRF, ESS Bilbao, Â GSI, HIC for FAIR, HZB, INFN, KIT, oPAC, PSI, SOLEIL, COMPUTER CONTROLS, FRIATEC and by BERGOZ Instrumentation