The IUCr OpenLab initiative supports practical crystallography training, access to instrumentation and scientific capacity building in countries around the world. OpenLabs bring together students, researchers, universities, scientific organisations and equipment manufacturers through lectures, hands-on training and, where appropriate, access to crystallographic facilities.
The programme developed from the IUCr–UNESCO OpenLab initiative launched during the International Year of Crystallography 2014. UNESCO was an important partner in the programme's early development, and OpenLabs held during that period were known as IUCr–UNESCO OpenLabs. Today, OpenLabs are organised by the IUCr with a range of scientific, educational and industry partners.
OpenLabs have been held across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and other regions, with activities adapted to local scientific needs and available infrastructure.
New laboratory and equipment support
New installations of crystallographic instrumentation. Such instrumentation will allow the birth of new crystallographic research centres and will act as hubs hosting students and researchers from hosting and neighbouring countries.
Training at existing facilities
These OpenLabs are based in research centers where crystallographic instrumentation is already operational. These laboratories will host workshops, tutorials and hands-on experiments for students and young professors coming from the host and nearby countries.
Travelling crystallography schools
A portable instrument will move through different locations in a country and at each stop it will serve as the basis for a crystallographic school, including tutorials about the use of the instrument and related software.
Remote OpenLabs
The school will make use of crystallographic instrumentation accessible remotely from the OpenLab venue. Students can then gather together and meet their teachers at the venue, and perform tutorials using instrumentation based in a different place that can be totally controlled via remote access (apart from mounting the crystal!).
Industry-supported training
Workshops are held in the factories of the diffractometer manufacturer companies. These workshops are open to students and young professors who already have some background in crystallography. They will also be focused on technical aspects and maintenance of crystallographic instrumentation.