In alignment with the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science and UNESCO’s Remote Access to Lab Equipment (UNESRALE) Initiative, The Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC), in collaboration with UNESCO, is launching a targeted virtual capacity-building programme aimed at empowering researchers and scientists with the tools and knowledge needed to strengthen their investigative capabilities in crystallography and solid‑state research and to lead institution‑level implementation and culture‑building around these tools.
The CCDC are the curators of the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD), the world’s largest curated repository of experimental crystal structures for small organic and metal-organic substances. The CSD currently contains over 1.4 million accurate 3D structures derived from X-ray, neutron, and electron diffraction analyses. The structures in the CSD encompass a wide range of different chemical classes, making it a rich resource of structures with research and educational value.
This initiative aims at training future community leaders in the field of solid state science and crystallography. The training will cover various aspects of using the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) and associated software: 1) Finding structures and analysing trends in the CSD, 2) Visualising molecules and packing effectively, 3) Understanding and validating molecular geometries in crystal structures, 4) Analysis of non-bonded interactions to assess solid state. The course will also include a Trainer Preparation session, with concrete operational instructions and tips with the goal of developing and enhancing the participants skills to deliver training on the CSD at their institution. This remote training has a twofold goal: to equip participants with the skills and tools needed to strengthen their own research and teaching, and to prepare them to serve as leaders and trainers within their institutions, empowering more researchers and students to use the CSD data and software.
All sessions will be delivered by CCDC expert tutors and will include a hands-on part for the participants to try the software and ask questions. Short exercises will be assigned in between session. Full programme is available inside the application link.
The program is open to faculty members and staff from academic institutions with a permanent position and postdoctoral fellows. Applications from institutions in countries eligible for the CCDC’s FAIRE programme, established by CCDC to support research and education in underrepresented communities, are particularly encouraged (full list here: https://www.ccdc.cam.ac.uk/community/ccdc-for-the-community/faire-grants/#eligible-countries-FAIRE). Eligible applicants must demonstrate a strong research interest in the field of crystallography or solid state chemistry, proficiency in English, and a clear motivation to support their institution in growing adoption of new research and education tools. Selection will be based on how strongly applicants demonstrate these criteria and the overall strength of their application, with the aim of forming a cohort representing a broad range of countries and institutions to maximise programme impact.
Deadline for submitting applications: 15 May 2026
For enquiries, please contact lab-remote.access@unesco.org and hello@ccdc.cam.ac.uk
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