Room-temperature (RT) data collection in macromolecular crystallography (MX) is gaining renewed momentum because it provides structural information under near-physiological conditions. Compared with cryogenic data collection, RT methods can reveal functionally relevant conformational states, dynamics, and transient structural changes in a time-resolved manner, while also benefiting structure-based drug design through the identification of hidden or rare binding states. RT collection also avoids the potential artefacts introduced by cryoprotectants and cryocooling.

The ESRF/EMBL Joint Structural Biology and Imaging Group are leading developments in this area. Current capabilities include fully automated single-crystal RT data collection on MASSIF-1 with the CrystalDirect Harvester, in situ RT data collection on MASSIF-1, ID23-2, and ID30B and serial and microsecond time-resolved RT crystallography on ID29 using several sample-delivery methods such as fixed-targets, high viscous extruders (HVEs) and a tape-drive system for mixing experiments. These advances position the ESRF as a key centre for training in ambient crystallography.

Building on the successful first edition of the Advanced Methods in Ambient Crystallography workshop in 2023 (AMAX2023) we are convening an expanded second edition from 2–4 December 2026.

This in-person 3-day workshop will cover the different practical and theoretical aspects of room temperature data collection and structure determination on the first day, followed by practicals at the beamlines and data processing on the following days:

• Day 1: lectures from leading experts on ambient crystallography and recent methodological developments at ESRF and other facilities.

• Day 2: hands-on practical sessions at MASSIF-1, ID23-2, and ID29, including RT single-crystal, in situ, serial and tape-drive-based data collection.

• Day 3: data processing, analysis, participant project presentations, and round-table discussion.

A total number of 12 participants will be selected. A modest registration fee of up to €280 will include all meals, coffee breaks and accommodation during the workshop.

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Application deadline: 14 September 2026