Crystallography matters ... more!
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The year 2014 was declared the International Year of Crystallography by the United Nations in order to raise awareness in the world at large about the importance of crystallography in the modern world. Through an incredible variety of activities worldwide, that objective has been brought to life for thousands of schoolchildren, university students and the general public. Many events have been sponsored by UNESCO and the International Union of Crystallography, supported by industrial and academic sponsors, and made real by a host of willing volunteers. They have ranged from Science Fairs for schoolchildren, to professional-level OpenLab workshops and training sessions, to international summit meetings to shape future policy. They have ignited a fire in the new generation, most especially in parts of the developing world where structural science is still an infant science.
To build on these successes, the International Union of Crystallography is embarking on an ambitious set of new initiatives to ensure that this newly kindled flame does not go out. More OpenLabs will be commissioned; more sustained efforts will be made in capacity building; more effort will go into public outreach activities.
A launch conference, entitled "Crystallography for the next generation: the legacy of IYCr", took place at the prestigious venue of the Hassan II Academy of Science and Technology of Morocco in Rabat on 22-24 April 2015. The "IYCr legacy" conference was held in lieu of a "Closing" ceremony for the International Year of Crystallography.
IUCr Outreach and Education Fund
You can contribute directly to the Crystallography matters ... more! initiative by making a donation to the "IUCr Outreach and Education fund" through Paypal.