Empowering Young Minds: 11th Young Crystallographers Meeting

The 11th Young Crystallographers Meeting, organized by the DGK Young Crystallographers Working Group and hosted by Rigaku Europe SE in Neu-Isenburg, Germany, from 30 September to 2 October, was a memorable and engaging event. With around 30 participants, the meeting brought together young scientists, students, and established researchers in a vibrant environment that fostered learning, networking, and the exchange of ideas.

Inspiring Scientific Talks

The meeting kicked off with a warm welcome from Florian Meurer, setting the tone for an engaging series of talks. The distinguished guest speakers provided valuable scientific insights along with personal experiences from their career paths. Prof. Ella Schmidt delivered her inspiring presentation online due to a Covid infection, showcasing her dedication and commitment to the attendees. The audience and organizing team expressed their heartfelt gratitude for her effort in contributing to the event under such challenging circumstances.

Dr. Bonnie Murphy followed with her cutting-edge research findings, demonstrating to the young audience that pursuing a scientific career is entirely possible, even while managing the challenges of raising young children and family obligations. Stephanie Marek shared valuable insights into her own career path and emphasized the rewarding nature of her work at Merck. Her perspective not only enriched the discussions with practical advice and industry insights but also underlined the importance of perseverance and adaptability. These reflections resonated with attendees, providing encouragement and motivation for their own journeys in the field.

Additionally, Prof. Florian Kleemiß emphasized the significance of the people we meet throughout our lives and how they can profoundly influence our future paths—drawing on the impact of his chemistry teacher during his school years. These personal stories resonated with the audience, underscoring the interconnectedness of personal and professional journeys in science.

Interactive Poster Sessions and Lightning Talks

One of the standout features of the meeting was the interactive poster sessions and lightning talks. Participants showcased their latest research in a relaxed atmosphere, encouraging lively discussions and the exchange of innovative ideas. The enthusiasm and passion for research were palpable, as attendees engaged in stimulating conversations about their projects and future directions in crystallography.

Rigaku Lab Tours: A Unique Opportunity

A highlight of the event was the exclusive access to Rigaku’s state-of-the-art demo labs. Participants were treated to an insider's view of advanced diffraction technology, with experts on hand to explain the latest equipment and techniques. The lab tours were not only educational but also a fantastic opportunity for attendees to see the practical ap-plications of their studies in real-world settings.

Poster Awards: Celebrating Excellence

The Poster Awards were a much-anticipated highlight of the event, recognizing out-standing presentations from participants. The judges faced a challenging task, given the high quality of submissions. While only three winners could be selected, every participant who presented their work deserved commendation for their impressive contributions. The recognition of these achievements left a lasting impact on the attendees, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence in their research endeavors.

Building Connections and Looking Ahead

Beyond the scientific discussions, the event successfully fostered a strong sense of community among young crystallographers. Food and coffee breaks, along with social evenings at local venues, provided excellent networking opportunities where participants shared experiences, exchanged ideas, and formed connections essential for future collaborations and mentorship. As the meeting concluded, attendees left with renewed enthusiasm for their scientific journeys, inspired by the engaging discussions and valuable interactions.

We look forward to seeing everyone again at future events and wish all participants the best in their research endeavors.