European Single-Crystal Users Meeting
Highlights from the 2024 European Single-Crystal User Meeting: Insights, Collaboration, and Networking
The recent European Single-Crystal Users’ Meeting, held at Rigaku Europe's headquarters in Neu Isenburg, Germany, on October 9-10, offered crystallography enthusiasts a unique chance to deepen their understanding of practical applications and receive the latest updates in their field. With around 50 attendees, the atmosphere was vibrant and energized, fostering networking and knowledge sharing on topics such as single-crystal diffraction, troubleshooting techniques, emerging technologies, and software advancements.
A Thoughtful Welcome
The meeting began with a short survey led by Fraser White, who posed thought-provoking questions such as, "Why are you here?" This opening helped set a relaxed atmosphere for the gathering. The audience, primarily composed of experienced academics, was eager to share their insights and gain first-hand tips. Most attendees were returning participants, while a few newcomers were attending their first user meeting. This blend of familiar faces and fresh perspectives greatly enriched the discussions and highlighted the main purpose of the event: networking.
Inspiring Insights from Leading Experts
The Users’ Meeting featured a dynamic agenda with expert speakers covering a range of topics. It began with discussions on software issues, including Mathias Meyer’s updates on CrysAlisPro and Horst Puschmann’s highlights of new features in Olex2. Michal Dusek also presented on modulated and twinned structures using CrysAlisPro and Jana2020.
In the Electron Diffraction session, Claire Wilson shared her insights on 3D-ED in Glasgow, while Jere Tidey reflected on its evolution as a national facility. Jessica Burch offered troubleshooting tips for sample preparation, and Robert Bücker discussed automated workflows in CAP44.
The second day began with Chris Schürmann’s tips for CrysAlisPro, including highlights from the last year from the helpful “Tip of the Month” feature in the highly recommended Crystallography Times Newsletter. Michael Merz showed the benefits of Rigaku diffractometers for challenging research with his presentation on exploring two structures exhibiting charge density waves. Gary Nichol posed the question, "What will I do with my new instruments?" which were installed just prior to the user meeting, while Matic Lozinšek discussed bonding xenon to form crystals. Staff presentations included Christian Göb on variable temperature electron diffraction, Khai Truong on data processing strategies, Joseph Ferrara on the Rigaku School for Practical Crystallography, and Jakub Wojciechowski on hardware updates. This concise agenda provided attendees with valuable insights to enhance their research.
Interactive Experiences and Networking Opportunities
The lab tours offered attendees a valuable opportunity to experience Rigaku's state-of-the-art instrumentation in a relaxed environment. Participants explored the facilities, observed the instruments in action, and learned how these advanced tools can enhance their crystallography research. Led by knowledgeable staff, the tours sparked meaningful discussions about specific instruments and provided insights into the latest technologies. This blend of formal presentations and informal interactions fostered a welcoming atmosphere for collaboration and idea exchange, making the lab tours one of the highlights of the meeting.
Dinner on the first night further enhanced networking opportunities, as attendees enjoyed a meal at a local Italian restaurant that encouraged connection and storytelling in a relaxed setting. They shared experiences and explored potential collaborations, while the evening concluded with a fun bowling night, giving participants a chance to bond and build friendships outside the formal sessions.
Closing Thoughts and Looking Ahead
In conclusion, the 2024 European Single-Crystal User Meeting was an enriching experience, bringing together crystallography professionals for valuable exchanges of ideas and insights. Attendees enjoyed numerous opportunities to network, share experiences, and build relationships. We hope everyone left with many take-home messages and lessons to apply in their work. With plans already underway for the next meeting, participants are well positioned to continue the spirit of collaboration and exploration that defined this year’s event.