The Diamond Light Source Macromolecular Crystallography group would like to invite both our academic and industrial users to Introduction to MX at Diamond training session on 11-12 February 2026.
The aim is to provide new Diamond MX users with sufficient training to get started with shipping samples to Diamond, automated data collection, routine cryo-crystallography data collection and data interpretation. A session will also cover the potential experiments that can be performed at our specialised beamlines. Additionally, there will be sessions covering peripheral tools at Diamond for Life Sciences.
A further training event aimed at advanced users will be provided in June 2026 covering advanced experiments available within Diamond MX.
Programme and content
Wednesday 11th February and Thursday 12th February
The programme starts at 11:00 on 11 February and finishes at 16:00 on 12 February.
A brief summary of the sessions can be found below:
First steps in cryocrystallography and beyond (I04 and I24)
This session explores complementary strategies for challenging samples. On I04, we will focus on optimising data quality for single-crystal cryo-crystallography. Users will learn to match the beam to the crystal volume using a set of discrete beam sizes in the range of 5 to 100 µm and utilise multi-axis goniometry and 'Dose Aware' strategies to maximise resolution.
On I24, the focus will shift to multi-crystal strategies. Users will practice identifying multiple micro-crystals on a single pin and queuing small collection sweeps. We will discuss optimising sample preparation for this approach and examine the auto-generated output of xia2.multiplex to progressively merge sweeps into a complete dataset.
Automated data collection (I03 and VMXi)
An introduction to unattended data collection (UDC) on MX beamlines at Diamond, why and when to use it, as well as a guide to creating samples and shipments in the ISPyB database.
Plus, the how and why to collect X-ray diffraction data at room temperature - users will be told about the methods of getting samples into the VMXi beamline, along with hints and tips on getting the most out of their samples.
Data Interpretation (MX Data analysis groups)
This session will aim to increase confidence interacting with experiment results in ISPYB and demonstrate how to make the most of the available auto processing pipelines. Interpretation of the results displayed for each data collection will be covered, as well as how to use this information to guide experimental decision making.
Examples of common problems with data processing will also be discussed, along with how to resolve them using the ISPYB web page.
Integrative Biology (MX crystallisation facility, Membrane Protein Laboratory)
This session will showcase the peripheral facilities for sample preparation for MX at Diamond which is important in obtaining the best quality sample before a diffraction experiment.
The tools available within the crystallisation facility and the Membrane Protein Laboratory (MPL) will be demonstrated with an opportunity for participants to setup their own crystallisation plates for submission to VMXi and prepare membrane protein samples for lipid cubic phase (LCP) crystallisation.
Next Frontiers in X-ray crystallography (VMXm, I23, XChem, XFEL-Hub)
Diamond offers several specialised beamlines and tools to further explore proteins and their functions, either through observing motions or chemistry available via the XFEL-hub, the binding of metals using I23 and fragment screening for drug discovery at the XChem facility. Difficult to crystallise samples that only produce very small crystals can be fully exploited by VMXm. This session will include a tour of these advanced facilities.
Applications
Please apply for this event at the link below. Places are limited to 25 participants. Applications are now open and will close at 12:00 noon (BST) on Monday 12 January 2026. All applicants will be informed about the outcome of their application shortly after this date.
This event is free-of-charge and includes lunch on 11-12 February as well as accommodation and dinner for the night of 17 September, if needed. Reasonable travelling expenses within the UK will also be provided. We may provide an additional night of accommodation on request if travel necessitates this.
For any queries please contact:
felicity.bertram@diamond.ac.uk
mx-usersupport@diamond.ac.uk
Parking on campus
You will have a user access badge for this training, and will be able to park in Severn Road car park if there isn't closer parking available. Alternatively, you'll find more information here on how to get to Diamond by public transport.
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