On behalf of the International Union of Crystallography (IUCr), it is with immense excitement and joy that we cordially extend our warmest invitation to you to join the IUCr for the Twenty-Seventh Congress and General Assembly, set to be held in the magnificent city of Calgary, located in the heart of Alberta, Canada from August 11th-18th, 2026.

Calgary, a city renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and warm hospitality, has been chosen as the host for this remarkable occasion. Nestled amidst stunning landscapes and boasting a rich cultural heritage, this vibrant metropolis promises to provide an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

At 14:00 CET (Central European Time), 13.00 GMT. The workshop is also repeated on 23rd April 2026 at the same time.

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Workshop Content

• Fundamentals of detection of systematic errors in X-ray, neutron, and electron diffraction

• Residual analysis as a tool for identifying systematic effects

• Quantitative evaluation of reproducibility

• Cross-comparison of datasets (instrument, site, or generation comparisons)

• Interpretation of characteristic error patterns

• Derivation of concrete optimization strategies

Target Audience

• R&D and development leaders

• Application scientists

• Quality management and methodology specialists

• Scientific group leaders

• Technical sales and product managers in instrumentation

This conference brings together researchers and software developers for in-depth, open discussions on emerging image analysis methods and algorithmic advances addressing challenging biological questions. Each session is designed to foster lively interaction, with plenty of time for questions and exchange of ideas.

The 2026 program will feature an exciting lineup of speakers and sessions, including:

• Compositional and conformational variability in vitro and in situÂ
• Automation, modeling, and validation in cryo-EM and cryo-ETÂ
• Tomogram segmentation and interpretationÂ
• Round-table discussion on Deep Learning and Community Innovation (Kaggle/SHREC)Â
• Keynote Address: Professor Bridget Carragher (CZII)Â
• A session of selected short talks from poster presenters. Poster abstracts are due by February 15, 2026, to be included in the program and considered for short talks.

This 1-week course will step through each stage of the SPA workflow (sample preparation, data acquisition and computational processing). The mornings will include lectures and stimulating round table discussions. The afternoons will have hands-on practicals to reinforce the concepts and topics covered earlier in the day.
 

The regular application deadline is December 15, 2025 by 5pm. Accepted applicants will be informed in early January 2026.

The 19th International Conference on X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS2026) will be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from 21 to 26 June 2026. Organized under the auspices of the International X-ray Absorption Society (IXAS), this triennial event serves as the foremost global forum for researchers and practitioners in the field of X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

XAFS2026 will bring together scientists, beamline specialists, and interdisciplinary experts to exchange knowledge, foster collaboration, and explore emerging frontiers in XAFS-related research. The scientific program will encompass eleven main topics:

• Advanced X-ray spectroscopies

• Computational and theoretical methods

• Materials science

• Catalysis

• Environmental sciences

• Biological systems

• Geosciences

• Energy-related applications

• Industrial and applied research

• Instrumentation and beamline development

• Cultural heritage and archaeology

Hosted in one of Southeast Asia's most culturally vibrant cities, XAFS2026 is committed to promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and international engagement. The conference welcomes participation from all career stages and geographic regions.

For further details, please visit the official conference website: https://xafs2026.org/XAFS2026/

The ADD2026 School and Conference aim to deepen the understanding and to further the training of the various communities working with real-space data analysis methods in neutron and x-ray diffraction. The Fourier transformation of total-scattering diffraction data from reciprocal space into real space produces a Pair-Distribution Function (PDF) that represents a model-independent "snapshot" of the short-range atomic structure within the sample.  The PDF(r) thus probes both static and dynamic local atomic correlations (as well as local magnetic spin correlations in the case of neutron diffraction).  The measured PDF(r) can then be modelled or simulated using various software packages.  These so-called "PDF-analysis" methods are therefore complementary to the well-known Rietveld method of refining diffraction data in Q-space that however provides only a space-time averaged picture of the sample's structure.

2025 Pittsburgh Diffraction Conference (PDC)

Hosted by Brookhaven National Laboratory
October 9–12, 2025

On behalf of the Conference Committee, we are delighted to invite you to 82nd annual Pittsburgh Diffraction Conference (PDC). This year’s conference will be held October 9–12, 2025 at Brookhaven National Laboratory, on New York’s beautiful Long Island.
 

The Pittsburgh Diffraction Conference is one of the longest-running scientific meetings in North America focused on the advancement of structural science through diffraction-based methods. Bridging both life sciences and materials sciences, the conference brings together researchers who utilize laboratory-based instruments, X-ray light sources, electron diffraction, and neutron scattering to explore the structure and dynamics of matter. It serves as a vibrant forum for sharing recent scientific breakthroughs, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and highlighting innovations across experimental and computational frontiers

This year’s program features a diverse and timely selection of breakout sessions, reflecting key areas of growth in the field. Topics include energy storage, emphasizing structural insights that enable next-generation energy technologies; AI and its applications in the development of emergent materials; novel materials with transformative properties; and the effects of extreme environments on structures, reveling details on dynamic processes and molecular motion that lead to biomolecular functions and a better understanding of complex soft materials.

Conference Web Page and Registration:  

https://www.bnl.gov/pittsburgh-diffraction-conference/index.php 

Important dates:

April 21, 2025               General registration opens
July 31, 2025                Deadline to submit an abstract for an oral/poster presentation
September 19, 2025      General registration closes

Pre-event workshops:

PDF 101: A Hands on Tutorial to Total Scattering Methods (organizers: Milinda Abeykoon, Daniel Olds)

Hands-on Workshop: Crystal Clear Insights: Mastering Protein Crystallization (organizers: Crissy Traver, Vivian Stojanoff)

Evening Events:

Brookhaven National Lab facility tour.
Friday, October 10, 2025
https://www.bnl.gov/pittsburgh-diffraction-conference/nsls2tour.php

Banquet Dinner
Danfords Hotel and Marina
25 E Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
Date: Friday, October 10, 2025, 7-9 p.m.

 

Awards Dinner
Charles B. Wang Center
100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025, 7-9 p.m.

If you are looking to improve your Mercury skills and upgrade your structure visualization and analysis tools, then this free, 90-minute, hands-on workshop is for you!

This virtual workshop will include examples of porous materials, in particular metal-organic framework (MOF) structures from the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD). Such structures have a variety of applications, including designing new energetic or magnetic materials, new catalysts, porous frameworks for gas storage and even drugs.

What we will cover

We will focus on tools from the CSD Software designed to enhance and assist the visualization and analysis of structural data. You will learn some tips and tricks for using a range of functionality in the desktop molecular visualization software Mercury, with spotlight on some of the new features. The session will include presentations and demonstrations by CCDC expert tutors and a hands-on part for you to try the software, with the tutors available to help you and answer your questions.

You will learn:

- Which subsets of the CSD are available, how to access them in ConQuest, Mercury and the CSD Python API, and how they can help you in your research.

- How to visualize porous materials effectively in Mercury.

- How to analyse pore space in your structures using Pore Analyser.

- Applications of the disorder visualization feature, including recent advances and integrations with other functionality available in Mercury.

And more Mercury tips and tricks!

The workshop will be recorded and all registered participants will have access to the recording. 

This intensive three-day workshop offers a thorough introduction to modern powder diffraction techniques, combining theoretical foundations with practical applications. The program is designed for graduate students, researchers, and professionals aiming to deepen their understanding and hands-on skills in phase identification, quantitative analysis, and structure determination using powder X-ray diffraction data.

The course begins with the fundamental principles of powder diffraction and qualitative phase analysis, including the use of databases and software (PDF-5+, JADEPro and Qualx2.0). Day 2 focuses on quantitative phase analysis, structure solution, and Rietveld refinement, supported by guided exercises using EXPO and TOPAS software. The final day explores advanced topics such as total scattering, Pair Distribution Function (PDF) analysis, and microstructural characterization through size-strain analysis.

Throughout the course, participants will engage in practical sessions aimed at developing autonomy in data interpretation, profile fitting, and structure modelling using widely adopted software packages in the field.

This intensive three-day workshop offers a thorough introduction to modern powder diffraction techniques, combining theoretical foundations with practical applications. The program is designed for graduate students, researchers, and professionals aiming to deepen their understanding and hands-on skills in phase identification, quantitative analysis, and structure determination using powder X-ray diffraction data.

The course begins with the fundamental principles of powder diffraction and qualitative phase analysis, including the use of databases and software (PDF-5+, JADEPro and Qualx2.0). Day 2 focuses on quantitative phase analysis, structure solution, and Rietveld refinement, supported by guided exercises using EXPO and TOPAS software. The final day explores advanced topics such as total scattering, Pair Distribution Function (PDF) analysis, and microstructural characterization through size-strain analysis.

Throughout the course, participants will engage in practical sessions aimed at developing autonomy in data interpretation, profile fitting, and structure modelling using widely adopted software packages in the field.

The TR+ workshop will provide exciting insight into the broad range of synchrotron-based techniques available at MAX IV to investigate dynamics on a variety of length scales and timescales in biomolecules using X-ray spectroscopy, scattering, serial crystallography, and combined methods.

This workshop will focus on the practical considerations in performing time-resolved synchrotron studies including sample preparation and delivery, reaction triggering methods, and large data analysis and interpretation. Early career and established researchers interested in pursuing new techniques are encouraged to attend.

MAX IV in association with LINXS is pleased to announce a symposium on “Scientific achievements through serial crystallography”, marking the start of user operations at the MicroMAX Beamline. The program will take place on September 22-24 at Lund and will feature talks, discussions, and networking with experts in the field—offering insights into emerging directions in structural biology. For registration and further information, visit: MicroMAX symposium webpage.Registration deadline is 1st of September.

We are excited to announce the International School on Electron Crystallography, which will be held in the charming town of Erice, Italy, from 30 May - 7 June 2025. This event will bring together leading experts, researchers, and students in the field of electron crystallography to explore the latest developments and techniques.

Dates: 30 May - 7 June 2025

Location: Ettore Majorana Foundation and Centre for Scientific Culture, Erice, Italy

About the School:

The International School on Electron Crystallography offers a comprehensive learning experience for participants at all levels, from beginners to advanced researchers. Through lectures, hands-on tutorials, and interactive sessions, attendees will gain valuable insights into the principles and applications of electron crystallography, including electron diffraction, 3D electron diffraction (3D ED), structure determination, and the latest innovations in the field.

Key Topics:

Fundamentals of electron crystallography and diffraction

3D electron diffraction techniques

Structure determination of molecular and inorganic materials

Applications in nanomaterials, pharmaceuticals, and structural biology

Recent advances in instrumentation and data analysis

Who Should Attend:

The school is designed for students, postdocs, and professionals working in electron microscopy, crystallography, materials science, chemistry, physics, and related disciplines. Whether you are new to electron crystallography or looking to deepen your expertise, this school provides a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and network with experts in the field.

Travel and Grants:

Various travel grants from different organizations will be advertised on the school's webpage to support student participation.

How to Apply:

Details on registration, abstract submission, and travel grant applications will be made available on the official website: https://crystalerice.org/2025/

Join us in Erice for an inspiring week of learning, networking, and exploring the beautiful surroundings of Sicily!

For further information, please visit our website or contact the course directors: Alexander Eggeman (University of Manchester, UK), Mauro Gemmi (Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pisa, IT), Tatiana Gorelik (Forschungszentrum Juelich, DE).

This virtual workshop will include examples of porous materials, in particular metal-organic framework (MOF) structures from the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD). Such structures have a variety of applications, including designing new energetic or magnetic materials, new catalysts, porous frameworks for gas storage and even drugs.

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What we will cover

We will focus on tools from the CSD Software designed to enhance and assist the visualization and analysis of structural data. You will learn some tips and tricks for using a range of functionality in the desktop molecular visualization software Mercury, with spotlight on some of the new features. The session will include presentations and demonstrations by CCDC expert tutors and a hands-on part for you to try the software, with the tutors available to help you and answer your questions.

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You will learn:

- Which subsets of the CSD are available, how to access them in ConQuest, Mercury and the CSD Python API, and how they can help you in your research.

- How to visualize porous materials effectively in Mercury.

- How to analyse pore space in your structures using Pore Analyser.

- Applications of the disorder visualization feature, including recent advances and integrations with other functionality available in Mercury.

And more Mercury tips and tricks!

The workshop will be recorded and all registered participants will have access to the recording.Â

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